perennial

Dwarf St. John's Wort

The Story

Plant Bio

Hypericum polyphyllum is a low-growing, mat-forming, semi-evergreen sub-shrub with small, grey-green leaves and bright yellow, star-shaped flowers with prominent stamens.

This species is notable for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, rocky, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens and ground cover.

Uses & Benefits:

Bright yellow flowers add cheerful color to sunny borders, attracting bees and butterflies.

Drought tolerant and low-maintenance, ideal for water-wise gardens.

Supports pollinators and provides habitat for beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

8 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Turkey

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in spring.
Water regularly until established, about 6 weeks.
Provide full sun for optimal flowering.
Pinch back stems to encourage bushiness in early summer.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
Prune after flowering to shape the plant
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring

Don't

Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
Allow soil to become compacted
Neglect pruning, which can lead to legginess

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Plant
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Sunlit border with vibrant yellow accentsDrought-tolerant shrub for xeriscaping

Companion Plants

Lavender SedumRussian sage Echinacea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dwarf St. John's Wort questions

What zones can Dwarf St. John's Wort grow in?

Dwarf St. John's Wort is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Dwarf St. John's Wort deer resistant?

Yes — Dwarf St. John's Wort is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Dwarf St. John's Wort bloom?

Dwarf St. John's Wort 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 Dwarf St. John's Wort need full sun?

Dwarf St. John's Wort does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Dwarf St. John's Wort drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Dwarf St. John's Wort handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.