Tutsan (Hypericum androsaemum 'Albury Purple')

Overview

Tutsan, specifically the cultivar Hypericum androsaemum ‘Albury Purple’, brings distinct seasonal color to the garden landscape. This deciduous shrub is prized for its handsome, dark plum-purplish foliage, which provides excellent contrast against brighter greens. It is a relatively tough plant, noted for its low maintenance needs once established.

Flowering occurs reliably from June through August, producing cheerful, cup-shaped yellow blooms. Following the flowers, the plant offers decorative red berries that mature to black, attracting local birds. The reliable performance and year-round interest make Hypericum androsaemum ‘Albury Purple’ a garden favorite.

The sturdy nature of Tutsan allows it to function well as a low hedge or mass planting throughout USDA Zones 5 to 8. Gardeners appreciate its versatility in varying light conditions, though performance is best with adequate light.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Hypericaceae
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1.5-3 ft
  • Spread: 1.5-3 ft
• Bloom Time: June to August
• Bloom Description: Yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Hypericum androsaemum ‘Albury Purple’ is best achieved in spring or fall when weather conditions are mild. This shrub thrives in average, medium, well-drained soils. While manageable in various soil types, this species shows a preference for rich, loamy, and slightly acidic conditions for optimal growth.

Maintain medium water needs by providing consistent irrigation, especially during dry spells, until the root system is fully established. Generally, maintenance is low; little pruning is often required, though shaping can be done as needed. Ensure roots are mulched during winter months to help insulate them, particularly in the colder reaches of Zone 5.

In Zone 5, top growth may experience dieback during harsh winters. If this occurs, gardeners should not fear, as the roots often survive and readily send up vigorous new shoots early in the spring. This regenerative capability contributes to the overall hardiness of Tutsan.

Landscape Uses

Tutsan is exceptionally functional, excelling as a low hedge or neat border edger where its dark foliage provides structure. Its manageable size (1.5 to 3 feet) makes Hypericum androsaemum ‘Albury Purple’ ideal for mass planting, creating bold sweeps of color and texture.

The shrub performs well when integrated into wood margins or used to stabilize slopes in naturalized landscapes. For floral designers, the fruit-laden stems in the fall are highly valued additions to cut flower arrangements, offering rich autumnal tones.

Consider pairing this shrub with plants that appreciate similar sun exposure and moisture levels. Its color palette complements silvery foliage or plants that bloom later in the season, extending the visual engagement in the garden area where the Tutsan is planted.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Fruit Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Hypericum androsaemum, commonly called tutsan or sweet-amber, is a small, spreading, deciduous shrub that is native from western Europe, southern Europe and North Africa to Iran. This cultivar, ‘Albury Purple’, features dark plum-purplish green leaves that emit a mildly resinous scent when bruised, complementing its summer display of 5-petaled yellow flowers. The attractive foliage and red-aging-to-black berries ensure ornamental interest long after the bloom time ends.

Tolerances

• Drought

Potential Problems

Wilt and root rot present a risk, especially when Hypericum androsaemum ‘Albury Purple’ is grown in hot, humid Southern climates where drainage might be poor. Prevention centers on respecting the medium water needs and ensuring excellent soil drainage to avoid root saturation. While less threatening, gardeners should scout for common issues like leaf spot, mildew, and rust. Susceptibility to nematodes, which specifically cause root rot, requires vigilance; using plant material from certified nematode-free sources is a wise preventative measure. Watch closely for common pests like thrips and scale insects, treating them with appropriate horticultural oil or insecticidal soap if infestations become problematic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Tutsan suitable for?

Hypericum androsaemum ‘Albury Purple’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8.

How large does Tutsan grow?

This cultivar typically reaches a mature height and spread between 1.5 and 3 feet tall and wide, forming a compact, rounded shape.

When does Tutsan bloom?

Tutsan produces its characteristic yellow flowers in the summer months, generally between June and August.

What sun exposure does Hypericum androsaemum ‘Albury Purple’ need?

For best flowering, this shrub prefers full sun to part shade conditions. Excessive shade will reduce its flower production.

Conclusion

The combination of dusky purple foliage, summer yellow flowers, and attractive fall berries confirms Hypericum androsaemum ‘Albury Purple’ as a highly valuable, low-maintenance deciduous shrub. Its reliability in providing year-round structure makes Tutsan an excellent choice for borders and mass plantings. Before installing, verify that your location falls within USDA Zones 5 to 8 and ensure the site offers the required medium water access and well-drained soil.

Companion Planting

Selecting appropriate partners is key to maximizing the beauty of Tutsan. Plants that thrive in similar full sun to part shade conditions and medium moisture levels make excellent neighbors. Consider pairing the dark foliage of Hypericum androsaemum ‘Albury Purple’ with silvery-leaved plants, such as certain Artemisia varieties, to enhance the dramatic purple tones.

For textural contrast, incorporate fine-textured grasses or plants with contrasting flower shapes. Since Tutsan tolerates some shade, use it along the edges of woodland gardens alongside hostas or bleeding hearts, ensuring the Tutsan remains slightly brighter than its neighboring companions to prevent flower loss.

Wildlife Benefits

The fruit production of Tutsan plays an important role in supporting local avian populations during the late season. The spherical red berries, which transition to black, are attractive to various berry-eating birds who consume the fruit and aid in seed dispersal.

While the primary focus of the genus Hypericum is often its visual appeal, the summer flowers do offer nectar and pollen sources. Integrating this sturdy shrub into your landscape design provides functional benefits while maintaining a relatively simple, low-input gardening regime for the dedicated grower of Tutsan.