About

Hypericum reptans, creeping St John's wort, is a mat-forming, deciduous shrub with slender, prostrate, rooting stems and small, leathery, green leaves turning red or yellow in autumn. Cup-shaped, yellow flowers open from reddish buds at the stem tips in summer. An excellent, ornamental, spreading ground-cover St John's wort for a sunny, well-drained position.

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.

Plant details

Suggested usesBedding, containers, hanging baskets.

Care notes

CultivationPlant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.
PruningDeadhead regularly to prolong flowering.
PropagationGrow from seed sown in spring.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. Monitor for common garden pests.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant. Ensure good air circulation.