Hypericum calycinum (St. Johns Wort)
Hypericum calycinum (St. John’s Wort) is a small, semi-evergreen shrub with screaming bright yellow flowers, 3 in. wide (7 cm), for weeks from mid-summer to mid-fall. Each rose-like flower presents 5 petals surrounding a prominent tuft of bushy stamens and reddish anthers. Borne solitary or in clusters of 2-3 flowers, they appear in such quantities that they literally cover the foliage.
Hypericum calycinum (St. John's Wort) is a small, semi-evergreen shrub with screaming bright yellow flowers, 3 in. wide (7 cm), for weeks from mid-summer to mid-fall. Each rose-like flower presents 5 petals surrounding a prominent tuft of bushy stamens and reddish anthers. Borne solitary or in clusters of 2-3 flowers, they appear in such quantities that they literally cover the foliage. Arranged along procumbent stems, the oval leaves emerge chartreuse-bronzed but quickly turn to medium green, dark green, then blue-green – contrasting against the yellow flowers. A popular groundcover thanks to its lush dark green to bluish-green foliage and its golden flowers. Evergreen in warm winter climates.
- Grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm). Spreads rapidly 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.
- 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.
- Native to Southern Europe, Southwestern Asia
Requirements
Hardiness | 5 – 9 |
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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 (Mid,Late)Fall |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18″ (45cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |