Hypericum x inodorum Elstead (St. Johns Wort)
Hypericum x inodorum 'Elstead' (St. John's Wort) is a semi-evergreen or deciduous, upright shrub adorned with a profusion of showy clusters of star-shaped yellow flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), from mid-summer to early fall. Each saucer-shaped flower presents 5 petals surrounding a prominent tuft of golden stamens. Borne at the tips of contrasting red stems, they are followed by elongated, fleshy fruits, emerging creamy white but maturing to bright salmon-pink and rosy-red. Aromatic when crushed, the attractive foliage of ovate, dark green leaves takes on autumnal tints, which persist well into the winter, further extending the interest of this plant. Providing 2 great shows with its blooms and berries, this deer-resistant little shrub is perfect for adding long-lasting color to the garden. Popular with flower arrangers thanks to the long vase life of the berried stems too!
- Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall and wide (90-150 cm). Will self-seed in the garden, but without being aggressive.
- A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates full shade. Provide a thick root mulch in cold winter climates. Drought tolerant.
- Low maintenance, this plant is also generally pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
- Perfect as a specimen or massed in borders, rock gardens, slopes, naturalized areas. Makes a pretty hedge.
- Prune immediately after flowering.
- Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Requirements
Hardiness | 7 – 9 |
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Heat Zones | 7 – 9 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Hypericum – St John's Wort |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Mid,Late)Fall |
Height | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spacing | 48″ (120cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy, Semi-Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |