
Gemo St. Johnswort
Hypericum kalmianum 'Gemo'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
30 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Deciduous shrub
Native To
North America (species)
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
A tough and adaptable small shrub, Kalm's St. John's Wort is valued for its long summer bloom period and tolerance of difficult growing conditions. 'Gemo' is a Dutch selection noted for its particularly dense, mounded form and abundant, sunny yellow flowers that cover the plant for weeks in summer.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a location that receives at least six hours of sun
- Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend with grit if necessary
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball
- Place the plant in the hole, with the top of the root ball at soil level
- Backfill the hole and water to settle the soil
- Water periodically during the first year, then only in severe drought
Pro Tip
This shrub thrives on neglect once established. Avoid fertilizer and excessive water to maintain its compact shape and promote flowering.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for the best performance.
- Plant in well-drained soil.
- Prune in early spring to rejuvenate and shape the plant.
- Embrace its toughness; it's a low-maintenance plant.
Don't
- Do not plant in wet, boggy conditions.
- Avoid deep shade, which will result in sparse growth and few flowers.
- Don't overwater once the plant is established.
- Do not fertilize, as it prefers lean soil.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Gemo St. Johnswort questions
What zones can Gemo St. Johnswort grow in?
Gemo St. Johnswort is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Gemo St. Johnswort deer resistant?
Yes — Gemo St. Johnswort is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Gemo St. Johnswort bloom?
Gemo St. Johnswort typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Gemo St. Johnswort need full sun?
Gemo St. Johnswort does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Gemo St. Johnswort drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Gemo St. Johnswort handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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