perennial

Golden St. John's Wort

The Story

Plant Bio

Hypericum olympicum is a low-growing perennial with spreading, herbaceous stems and vibrant yellow, cup-shaped flowers that bloom profusely in summer, complemented by aromatic, ovate leaves.

This species is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to attract pollinators, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance, sunny borders and rock gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Bright yellow flowers and evergreen foliage add visual interest year-round.

Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, ideal for xeriscaping.

Provides nectar for pollinators and habitat for beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

10 inches

Width

15 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern Europe, Turkey

Toxicity

Can be toxic if ingested; may cause photosensitivity.

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Tuck seeds or cuttings into soil and water thoroughly.
Maintain consistent moisture during initial growth period.
Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Prune after flowering to shape and promote new growth.
Mulch around base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

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

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Prune to shape after flowering
Fertilize in early spring

Don't

Overwater which can cause root rot ❌
Don’t fertilize late in the season
Avoid heavy shade which reduces flowering

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bright yellow border plantDrought-tolerant hedgeSunny rock garden accent

Companion Plants

Lavender Sedum EchinaceaRussian sage Coreopsis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Golden St. John's Wort questions

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

Golden 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 Golden St. John's Wort deer resistant?

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

When does Golden St. John's Wort bloom?

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

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

Is Golden St. John's Wort drought tolerant?

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