Gorgeous ‘Gladys’
Q Can you tell me what this very pretty shrub is? It arrived in our back garden a few years ago, either on the wind or dropped by a bird. Catriona Kerr, Renfrewshire
A The shrub is a variegated Hypericum. I’m reasonably certain that it is H. androseanum variegatum ‘Mrs Gladys Brabazon’.
It is a small, hardy shrub with variegated leaves, reaching 29in (75cm) tall with a spread of 31in (80cm). It does best in full sun, although it also tolerates shade. It is very free-flowering.
The flowers are followed by red berries, which eventually turn black.