shrub

Moser's St. John's Wort

Hypericum × moserianum

The Story

Plant Bio

Hypericum × moserianum is a compact, semi-evergreen to deciduous hybrid shrub featuring slender, arching reddish stems and a low-growing habit. The golden-yellow flowers open in summer and fall, displaying prominent, dense tufts of yellow stamens with reddish anthers at the center of each cup-shaped bloom.

The cultivar 'Tricolor' is distinguished by its variegated foliage, which features green leaves broadly edged in creamy-white and suffused with pink. These pink margins intensify in color when exposed to cooler autumn temperatures.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides long-lasting summer color with golden flowers and arching reddish stems, complemented by variegated foliage in select cultivars.

Offers reliable deer resistance and moderate drought tolerance once established in well-drained borders.

Attracts generalist bees and other beneficial insect pollinators seeking pollen from the prominent stamen clusters.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36"

Width

36"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Garden origin

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to partial shade and excellent drainage.
Incorporate organic matter into sandy or loamy soils to improve moisture retention without creating waterlogged conditions.
Space plants 18 to 36 inches apart to accommodate their arching, mounding growth habit.
Water regularly after planting to establish a deep root system, then reduce frequency once the shrub is established.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing this shrub down to bare wood in winter; instead, perform a light structural cleanup in early spring to preserve the live framework of stems and prevent dieback.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly in early spring to shape the plant and remove winter-killed stem tips.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot and honey fungus.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if growth appears lackluster.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly draining clay soils where water pools.
Do not shear the plant back to bare wood, as buds may fail to break from old stems.
Do not over-fertilize, which can lead to weak, floppy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border EdgingContainer FriendlyMass PlantingFoundation Planting

Companion Plants

Salvia Nepeta Lavandula

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Moser's St. John's Wort questions

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

Moser's 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 Moser's St. John's Wort deer resistant?

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

When does Moser's St. John's Wort bloom?

Moser's St. John's Wort typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Moser's St. John's Wort need full sun?

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

Is Moser's St. John's Wort drought tolerant?

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