About
Hypericum athoum is a compact, evergreen shrub producing the characteristic paired leaves and golden-yellow, five-petalled flowers of the genus in summer. A neat St John's wort for a sunny or partly shaded, well-drained border.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Native toHimalaya, W China
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 8994,hypericum-calycinum,Hypericum calycinum,rose of Sharon,Hypericum balearicum
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by seed in autumn or by softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust and honey fungus (rarely)