St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum
Same species
1 named cultivar
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Humidity
Prefers well-drained environments
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe and Asia
Toxicity
Toxic to livestock if ingested in large quantities
The Story
Plant Bio
Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John's Wort, is a perennial herb with upright stems, bright yellow, star-shaped flowers, and oval leaves with translucent dots. This cultivar is renowned for its medicinal properties and its ability to attract pollinators, making it a valuable addition to both herbal gardens and wildlife-friendly landscapes.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Water regularly until established, about 4 weeks.
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering.
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape.
- Divide clumps every 3 years in early spring.
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot, especially in wet soils.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune lightly after flowering
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Overwater in winter ❌
- Avoid heavy fertilization late in season
- Don’t cut back in late fall
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| 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
St. John's Wort questions
What zones can St. John's Wort grow in?
St. John's Wort is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is St. John's Wort deer resistant?
Yes — St. John's Wort is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does St. John's Wort bloom?
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 St. John's Wort need full sun?
St. John's Wort does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is St. John's Wort drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), 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

Great St. John's Wort
Hypericum ascyron

Hypericum frondosum Goldmound
Hypericum frondosum

Variegated Hypericum
Hypericum patulum 'Hidcote Variegated'

Shrubby St. Johnswort
Hypericum prolificum

Sunny Boulevard Kalm's St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum 'Sunny Boulevard'

Gemo St. Johnswort
Hypericum kalmianum 'Gemo'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow 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.

