About

A dwarf, evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub, to 60cm tall, spreading by runners. Good for ground cover in shady areas. From midsummer to mid-autumn it produces bright yellow flowers. If grown in shade the leaves are chartreuse green. The elliptic leaves are golden yellow, with amber-tinged margins in full sun.

About the genus

Hypericum can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or trees, evergreen or deciduous, with usually paired leaves and showy yellow flowers with prominent stamens, followed by capsules, occasionally berry-like

Growing conditions

SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitSuckering
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, large borders, parkland settings.
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. Drought tolerant once established. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
PruningSee pruning group 6
PropagationPropagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust and honey fungus (rarely)