About
Hypericum perforatum, perforate St John's wort, is a clump-forming, upright perennial to 1 m with small, narrow, oval leaves dotted with translucent glands that appear as perforations. Broad, pyramidal, terminal clusters of star-shaped, yellow flowers to 2 cm across appear in summer. Widely used in herbal medicine as an antidepressant and anxiolytic.
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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens
Native toSW Asia, Africa
FragranceFoliage
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
CultivationUnder glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added extra grit. Position in full light and water freely in the growing season, moderately at other times. Outdoors grow in freely-draining soil in full sun, or against a south-facing wall
PruningSee pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust and honey fungus (rarely)