Also known as St. John's Wort · 679 saves
Hypericum
Hypericum, the genus most gardeners know as st. john's wort. We track 24 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 22 most-saved Hypericum varieties
Browse all 24 Hypericum varieties →
3 species of Hypericum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Hypericum in Sow
Save the Hypericum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Hypericum
Whats common across all Hypericum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 24 most-grown of them.
The Hypericum year
- PruneMarch and April96% of varieties
Cut back by 1/3 in late winter/early spring to maintain dense shape.
- MulchApril46% of varieties
Refresh mulch layer to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- PlantApril, May, October and November42% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall. Tolerates a wide range of soils.
- FertilizeApril33% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring if soil is poor.
Do
- Prune lightly after flowering
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Water during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Overwater in winter ❌
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Don't overwater once the plant is established.
What goes wrong with Hypericum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Curling leaves and sticky residue | Spray with insecticidal soap organically; use neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on the undersides of leaves and stippled, yellowing foliage during hot, dry weather. | Apply targeted miticides or insecticidal soaps directly to the affected foliage if localized outbreaks occur. |
| None significant | This is a very pest-resistant shrub. | No action is typically needed. |
| Scale insects | Small bumps on stems and leaves | Apply horticultural oil in early spring |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves in overly wet soil | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, and plant decline, especially in wet soil. | Prevention is key. Plant only in well-drained locations. There is no cure for an infected plant. |
| Rust | Orange or brown powdery pustules on the undersides of leaves. | Improve air circulation. Remove and destroy infected leaves. Apply a fungicide containing myclobutanil if the problem is severe. |
Making more Hypericum
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
- Mist cuttings daily and keep in bright, indirect light for 4–6 weeks
Division
- Divide mature plants in early spring.
- Replant divisions at same depth.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Hypericum questions
How many types of Hypericum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 24 distinct Hypericum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 679 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Hypericum grow in?
Across its varieties, Hypericum covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Hypericum bloom?
Most Hypericum varieties bloom in mid-summer, early summer, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Hypericum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.