Hypericum calycinum Golden Rule (St. Johns Wort)

Hypericum calycinum ‘Golden Rule’ (St. John’s Wort) is a small shrub noted for its colorful foliage. Arranged along procumbent stems, the oval leaves emerge soft orange and buttery-yellow before turning to chartreuse-green. Unlike other varieties, its foliage will not revert to dark green.

Hypericum calycinum 'Golden Rule' (St. John's Wort) is a small shrub noted for its colorful foliage. Arranged along procumbent stems, the oval leaves emerge soft orange and buttery-yellow before turning to chartreuse-green. Unlike other varieties, its foliage will not revert to dark green. In summer, bright yellow flowers, 2 in. wide (5 cm), adorned with a prominent tuft of bushy stamens and reddish anthers are on display, adding further charm to the shrub. A luminous groundcover for shady beds and borders.

  • Grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm). Spreads by underground stems. May invade other plantings unless confined.
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soils but thrives in sandy soils. Best flower production occurs in full sun. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Low maintenance, this plant is also generally pest and disease free. Deer resistant and salt tolerant.
  • Perfect for rock gardens, border fronts, naturalized plantings or massed as a ground cover. Great on banks and slopes for erosion control or under trees where it competes well with shallow tree roots.
  • Clip or mow plants in late winter or early spring every 2-3 years to renew and promote new growth.

Requirements

Hardiness 6
– 8

Heat Zones 4
– 9

Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Hypericum – St John's Wort
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 12″
– 24″
(30cm
– 60cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Salt
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow