About
Hypericum aegypticum, the Egyptian St John's wort, is a dwarf, evergreen, spreading shrub to 30 cm with small, ovate, grey-green leaves 3�8 cm long. Solitary, golden-yellow flowers up to 1 cm across are produced at the ends of short stems in summer. A charming, compact St John's wort for a sunny, well-drained rock garden or raised bed.
About the genus
Hypericum, the St John's worts, are annuals, perennials, shrubs or trees, evergreen or deciduous, with usually paired leaves and showy, five-petalled, yellow flowers with prominent stamens, followed by capsular or berry-like fruits. An enormously versatile genus for sun and shade in well-drained soils.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Coastal
Native toSpain
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well drained soil, in sun or partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate from seed or from semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free