Overview
Hypericum maculatum subsp. maculatum is a bushy, spreading, creeping shrubs in the genus Hypericum, part of the Hypericaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen, semi-evergreen foliage. Hypericum maculatum subsp. maculatum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include groundcover, slopes, informal hedging, specimen plants, flower borders and beds.
About
Hypericum maculatum subsp. maculatum is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub within the Hypericum genus, known for its bushy, spreading, and creeping habit. This plant thrives in fertile, well-drained soil under full sun or partial shade, making it suitable for sheltered south, west, or east-facing aspects. It produces bright yellow flowers with prominent stamens during spring and summer, followed by capsules that may resemble berries. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is well-suited for use as groundcover, on slopes, in informal hedging, or as a specimen in flower borders and beds.
About the genus
Hypericum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Hypericaceae. The genus has a nearly worldwide distribution, missing only from tropical lowlands, deserts and polar regions. Many Hypericum species are regarded as invasive species and noxious weeds.
Wikipedia contributors, "Hypericum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hypericum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hypericum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Hypericum maculatum subsp. maculatum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading, Creeping
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Groundcover, Slopes, Informal hedging, Specimen plants, Flower borders, Beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hypericum maculatum subsp. maculatum
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to rust, honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hypericum maculatum subsp. maculatum?
Hypericum maculatum subsp. maculatum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hypericum maculatum subsp. maculatum need?
Hypericum maculatum subsp. maculatum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Hypericum maculatum subsp. maculatum hardy in the UK?
Hypericum maculatum subsp. maculatum has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Hypericum maculatum subsp. maculatum?
Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Hypericum genus
- Hypericum bequaertii

- Hypericum monogynumSt. John's Wort

- Hypericum x inodorum Magical Majestic Pink ('Kolmajepi') (Magical Series)St. John's Wort