Hypericum kalmianum 'Gemo'
shrubN. America Native

Gemo St. Johnswort

Hypericum kalmianum 'Gemo'

$15.50
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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:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental Uses'Gemo' is a workhorse shrub that provides a massive display of bright yellow flowers for an extended period in summer. Its dense, mounded form is attractive year-round, and the brown seed capsules add winter interest.
Practical UsesIts extreme tolerance for drought, poor soil, and urban conditions makes it an ideal choice for challenging landscape situations. It can be used as a low, informal hedge that requires minimal care.
Ecological BenefitsThe flowers are an excellent source of pollen for a wide variety of native bees, especially bumblebees. The dense branching provides shelter for wildlife. As a native cultivar, it supports local ecosystems.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Dancing Oaks
Ships Year Round
<1 Gal Pot
In Stock$15.50

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of sun
  2. Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend with grit if necessary
  3. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball
  4. Place the plant in the hole, with the top of the root ball at soil level
  5. Backfill the hole and water to settle the soil
  6. 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

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable mass planting for commercial landscapesLow-maintenance border or informal hedgeResilient choice for sunny, dry banks

Companion Plants

Panicum virgatum Liatris spicata Solidago 'Fireworks' Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' Sporobolus heterolepis

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.

Keep exploring

Grow Gemo St. Johnswort with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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