Easy to grow, drought tolerant, and charming yellow flowers are just a few reasons why Hypericum is a garden gold mine. Commonly known as St. John’s Wort, Hypericum is a member of the Hypericaceae family enticing pollinators with its bright yellow, buttercup flowers.

Native to Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa, St. John’s Wort can be planted in full sun or part shade and is not too particular about the soil type if it is well-draining. Most varieties that are bred for ornamental use are smaller maturing at 2 to 3 ft tall and 4 to 5 ft wide. St. John’s Wort can handle salt and tolerates urbane pollution making it an appealing option for boulevards and walkways. To encourage growth, it is best to prune this plant after flowering. As with most shrubs, an annual application of organic compost or slow-release fertilizer such as Espoma’s Organic Plant Tone. Deer and rabbit resistant, Hypericum is a low maintenance shrub that adds beauty and function to the landscape.

Blooming mid-summer, St. John’s Wort flowers in shades of yellow 5-petaled flowerheads with a bulbous center filled with attractive yellow stamens. Their flowers invite bees and other pollinators to feast and make excellent cut flowers for indoor arrangements.  Its foliage is a lush dark green to blue green that in fall turns to shades of red, orange, and yellow. In the Middle Ages, sprigs of Hypericum were used to ward off evil spirits and it is the only known food source of the Treble-bar moth. In more recent times, research has been done on the medicinal qualities of the plant, though only certain varieties contain the proper chemicals to be effective for health benefits. Studies have shown a positive correlation between compounds found in St John’s Wort and neurotransmitters in the brain that help with mild to moderate depression. A couple of Tonkadale’s favorite ornamental varieties include ‘Cobalt and Gold’ and ‘Sunburst’.

Happy planting. See you at Tonkadale.