Red hypericum berry

Filler · Hypericaceae

Hypericum berry

Hypericum androsaemum hybrids

Also known as St. John's wort and Tutsan

Glossy berry clusters from the St. John's wort family, long tied to protection in folklore.

Colour: Red

Traditionally, protection; a winter and holiday favorite.

Use in a bouquet All flowers

Toxic to cats and dogs. Read the pet-safety note

Peak season
Aug–Oct
Vase life
7–14 days
Birth month
—
Colours
5

What the hypericum berry means

Hypericum gets its common name, St. John's wort, from the plants' habit of flowering around St. John's Day in late June, when sprigs were traditionally hung over doors and windows in parts of Europe to ward off evil spirits. That long association with protection carries into modern florist lore, where the berries are often said to represent protection and healing. The florist types are grown for their glossy berries rather than their yellow flowers, and come in shades from red and burgundy to peach, green, and cream.

Flower meanings come mostly from Victorian floriography, and they vary between books, eras, and cultures.

Often sent for

  • Get well
  • Thank you
  • Birthday
  • Just because

By colour

  • Red Traditionally, protection; a winter and holiday favorite.
  • Burgundy Often read as strength and warmth.
  • Peach Often given for comfort and good wishes.
  • Green Associated with healing and renewal in modern use.
  • Cream Associated with calm and new beginnings.

Keeping it fresh

Available year-round from growers; garden berries ripen late summer to fall.

  1. 1 Strip leaves below the waterline; the foliage can yellow before the berries fade.
  2. 2 Recut the woody stems at an angle and change the water every few days.
  3. 3 Pick off any shriveled berries to keep the clusters looking fresh.

Pet safety

  • cats Toxic
  • dogs Toxic
  • horses Toxic

ASPCA's St. John's Wort entry (Hypericum perforatum, a relative of florist types) is toxic (hypericin): sun sensitivity and skin sores.

Source: ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants. If a pet eats any plant, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

Did you know

Tutsan, a parent of many florist hypericums, gets its name from the French toute-saine, meaning all-healthy, after its old use in folk medicine.

Pairs well with

Make your own hypericum berry bouquet

Pick a vase, add a card, and share the link — no delivery van, no wilting.

Open Flower Studio