About
A bushy shrub up to 1.5m high, with arching branches and deciduous, lance-shaped, mid-green leaves, up to 8cm long, and pyramidal cymes of up to nine cup-shaped, golden yellow flowers, 5-6cm across, in summer; bees may visit the flowers for pollen.
About the genus
Hypericum can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or trees, evergreen or deciduous, with usually paired leaves and showy yellow flowers with prominent stamens, followed by capsules, occasionally berry-like
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
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 moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, in sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 1 (little or no pruning of trees and shrubs) or pruning group 6 (deciduous shrubs that flower from midsummer onwards)
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust and honey fungus (rarely)