perennial

St. John's Wort

Hypericum perforatum

$16.95
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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:

Ornamental UsesBright yellow flowers add cheerful color to borders and wild gardens.
Practical UsesKnown for medicinal use, especially for mild depression and wound healing.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

In Stock$16.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
  2. Water regularly until established, about 4 weeks.
  3. Provide full sun for optimal flowering.
  4. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Prune after flowering to maintain shape.
  6. 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

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bright yellow borderDrought-tolerant groundcoverWildflower meadow accent

Companion Plants

Lavender Echinacea Yarrow Salvia Coreopsis

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.

Keep exploring

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.