Hidcote St. John's Wort
Hypericum patulum 'Hidcote'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
36 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to medium
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
10-15 years
Native To
Garden origin
Toxicity
Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested.
The Story
Plant Bio
Hypericum, commonly known as St. John's Wort, is a genus of flowering plants known for their bright yellow, five-petaled flowers with prominent, bushy stamens. 'Hidcote' is a popular, robust cultivar prized for its exceptionally large, 3-inch wide, cup-shaped golden-yellow flowers and a very long blooming season from summer to fall. It forms a dense, mounding, semi-evergreen shrub.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a location in full sun or light shade with good drainage.
- Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
- Place the plant in the hole, ensuring it's at the same depth as in the pot.
- Backfill with soil and press firmly.
- Water well after planting to eliminate air pockets.
- Mulch lightly to conserve moisture, but keep it away from the stems.
Pro Tip
For the best flowering and densest habit, cut the entire plant back to about 6 inches from the ground in early spring.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for maximum flower production.
- Prune annually in early spring to encourage new growth and flowers.
- Water during extended dry periods, though it is drought tolerant.
- Plant in well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Don't
- Don't plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soil.
- Avoid deep shade, which leads to sparse growth and fewer flowers.
- Don't overwater once the plant is established.
- Avoid heavy fertilizing; it's not necessary.
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
Hidcote St. John's Wort questions
What zones can Hidcote St. John's Wort grow in?
Hidcote St. John's Wort is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Hidcote St. John's Wort deer resistant?
Yes — Hidcote St. John's Wort is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Hidcote St. John's Wort bloom?
Hidcote St. John's Wort typically blooms in early summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Hidcote St. John's Wort need full sun?
Hidcote St. John's Wort does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Hidcote St. John's Wort drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Hidcote St. John's Wort handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Hypericum to compare
Hypericum frondosum Goldmound
Hypericum frondosum
Great St. John's Wort
Hypericum ascyron
Variegated Hypericum
Hypericum patulum 'Hidcote Variegated'
Shrubby St. Johnswort
Hypericum prolificum
Kalm's St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum 'Sunny Boulevard'
Kalm's St. John's Wort
Hypericum kalmianum
Keep exploring
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Grow Hidcote St. John's Wort 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.
