About
Hypericum patulum, the goldencup St John's wort, is a bushy, spreading, evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub to 1.2 m with dark-green leaves and cup-shaped, golden-yellow flowers in clusters of up to 15 produced from summer to early autumn. A popular and reliable garden shrub 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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Alpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Rock garden
Native toE Himalaya
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
CultivationThrives in a sheltered spot in well-drained soil, in sun or part shade. Protect from excess winter wet. Ideal for a rockery or for growing over a sunny wall
PruningMinimal pruning required, see pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust and honey fungus (rarely)