About
Hypericum kouytchense, the large-flowered St John's wort, is a small, semi-evergreen shrub with ovate leaves. Flowers to 6 cm across in rich, golden yellow with long, prominent stamens are produced in summer, followed by attractive, reddish fruit capsules in autumn. A beautiful and rewarding St John's wort for a sunny or partly shaded 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, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
Native toBalkans to Turkey
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
CultivationGrows well in moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust and honey fungus (rarely)