Hypericum forrestii aka Forrest's Tutsan

Hypericum forrestii, or Forrest St John's wort, is a small shrub. It belongs to the Hypericaceae family. Its native range runs from China to northeastern Myanmar. In China, it grows in parts of Sichuan and Yunnan. It comes from regions with a temperate climate. Wild plants grow on open, stony hillsides and near streams. They also grow along the edges of pine woods.

This bushy shrub keeps some of its leaves through winter. Garden plants reach about 3.3–4.9 feet (1–1.5 metres) tall and wide. They take five to ten years to reach full size. The leaves are oval, with orange and red winter colour. This gives the shrub interest beyond its flowers. The clear yellow blooms have a shallow, saucer-like shape. Each flower can span about 0.16 feet (0.05 metres). The RHS warns that its ornamental fruit must not be eaten.

Grow it in sun or partial shade. It does well in moist soil that drains freely. The RHS also lists well-drained soil as suitable. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk. It can grow in acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. The RHS lists both exposed and sheltered sites as suitable. It also accepts sites facing any direction. Its UK hardiness rating is H5. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 4–8. These ratings come from different systems and should be read separately.

Use this shrub in beds, borders, or an informal hedge. It also suits banks, slopes, and woodland edges. The RHS includes it among plants for coastal gardens. It lists town courtyards and cottage gardens as other settings. Its modest size suits planting where a large shrub would crowd. The RHS also includes it in low-maintenance planting schemes. Raise new plants from seed in containers during autumn. Summer offers another route, using semi-hardwood cuttings.

Pests seldom cause trouble, according to the RHS. Rust can occur, while honey fungus is a rarer risk. Plants For A Future records no known food or medicinal uses. It also reports no known hazards, unlike the RHS warning. Follow the more cautious RHS guidance on fruit and handling. Keep people and pets from eating the fruit. Wear gloves and suitable protective gear when handling the plant. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy.