shrub

Blue Velvet St. John's Wort

Hypericum 'Blue Velvet'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hypericum, or St. John's Wort, is a genus of tough, adaptable shrubs and perennials, widely grown for their cheerful, sun-yellow flowers with prominent, fluffy stamens that appear in summer.

'Blue Velvet' is prized for its distinctive, cool blue-green foliage that provides a beautiful backdrop for the bright yellow flowers. This variety forms a dense, spreading mound and is known for its rust resistance.

Uses & Benefits:

The primary ornamental feature of 'Blue Velvet' is its unique, waxy blue-green foliage, which provides a cool-toned presence in the garden all season. This is beautifully complemented by the bright, sunny yellow flowers that cover the plant in summer.

This is an extremely tough and easy-to-grow shrub. Its tolerance for drought and poor soil, combined with its resistance to deer and rabbits, makes it a problem-solver for difficult, sunny spots. It excels as a groundcover for slopes to help with erosion control.

The flowers are a fantastic source of pollen for bumblebees and other native bees. They are a valuable resource in the mid-summer garden when many other plants have finished their bloom cycle.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

Hybrid (Cultivated origin)

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun and well-drained soil.
This plant is very adaptable and not fussy about soil type.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the container.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Backfill with soil, press firmly, and water well.
Prune back in early spring to encourage a dense, full habit.

Pro Tip

For the best foliage color and most prolific flowering, plant in full sun. The blue hue is most intense in bright light.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the best performance.
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings once established.
Cut back annually to rejuvenate the plant and maintain its shape.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, wet soil, which can cause root rot.
Avoid deep shade, as it will lead to sparse growth and few flowers.
Don't worry about fertilizing; it performs well in average to lean soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent groundcover for sunny slopesStriking foliage contrast in mixed bordersLow-maintenance mass planting

Companion Plants

Echinacea 'White Swan'Perovskia atriplicifolia Sedum 'Autumn Fire'Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Dark Knight'Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Blue Velvet St. John's Wort questions

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

Blue Velvet St. John's Wort 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 Blue Velvet St. John's Wort deer resistant?

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

When does Blue Velvet St. John's Wort bloom?

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

Does Blue Velvet St. John's Wort need full sun?

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

Is Blue Velvet St. John's Wort drought tolerant?

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