About
Hypericum orientale, the Eastern St John's wort, is an upright, herbaceous perennial reaching 30 cm with small, green, paired leaves and golden-yellow, five-petalled flowers at the shoot tips in summer. A reliable and ornamental perennial 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 moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope
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
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate from seed, from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free