Common St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatumSt. John’s Wort is a versatile deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub valued for its cheerful yellow flowers and dependable performance. From early to mid-summer, it produces an abundance of star-shaped blooms with prominent golden stamens that stand out against blue-green foliage. Many varieties also develop ornamental seed capsules in fall, adding texture and extending seasonal interest beyond flowering.
This shrub is widely used in borders, mass plantings, and on slopes where its spreading habit helps with erosion control. St. John’s Wort is especially appreciated for its tolerance of poor soils, heat, and urban conditions, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes. It attracts pollinators while resisting deer and most pests. With its compact to spreading form and long bloom period, it blends easily into both formal garden designs and naturalized plantings.
Care Instructions
Planting:
Plant in full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages the best flowering and compact growth.
Watering:
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering.
Pruning:
Prune in early spring to remove old or damaged stems and encourage vigorous new growth and flowering.
Pest Control:
Rarely troubled by pests or diseases. Routine monitoring is typically sufficient.
Soil Tips:
Adaptable to most well-draining soils, including sandy or rocky sites. Avoid consistently wet or poorly drained soils.
