Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John's wort) — Clump forming

Overview

Hypericum perforatum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Hypericum, part of the Hypericaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Hypericum perforatum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, mediterranean climate plants, patio and container plants, rock garden and wildlife gardens.

About

It is a hairless, perennial herb with woody roots, yellow flowers marked by black glands, and leaves that appear perforated due to translucent glands, producing thousands of seeds per plant. H. perforatum is the type species of its genus, known for its historical use in folklore and traditional medicine. It is native to much of Europe, West and Central Asia, and parts of Africa and China and has been widely introduced elsewhere, thriving in well-drained, temperate habitats such as meadows, hillsides, and open woods with moderate rainfall and mild temperatures. It is a resilient, toxic, and invasive plant that reproduces sexually and vegetatively, supports specialized insect herbivores, suffers from plant diseases, and poses ecological and agricultural threats in many parts of the world. It grows to around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hypericum perforatum

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: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Hypericum perforatum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 1-1.5 metres
Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hypericum perforatum

Propagation: Seed in autumn, Semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: Rust

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Hypericum perforatum?

Hypericum perforatum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Hypericum perforatum need?

Hypericum perforatum 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.