The Story
Plant Bio
Hypericum frondosum is a dense, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States. It features narrow, smooth-margined blue-green foliage and produces bright yellow blossoms in summer on compact branches.
'Sunburst' is a uniform selection distinguished by large golden-yellow flowers up to two inches wide filled with a dense, puff-like brush of orange-tipped stamens. It maintains a neat, mounding form reaching three to four feet tall and wide.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
48"
Width
48"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Low to Medium
Humidity
Tolerates High Summer Humidity
Lifespan
Perennial Shrub
Native To
Southeastern United States
Toxicity
Toxic to livestock if consumed in large quantities
Bloom period
Early summer – Mid summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained acidic to neutral soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the crown level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with native soil, firm lightly, and water deeply to settle the roots.
- Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems.
Pro Tip
Ensure soil drains freely before planting, as damp or waterlogged conditions rapidly induce root rot and kill established plants.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in sharply drained soil to protect root health.
- Prune lightly in late winter to shape the framework.
- Provide supplemental water during extreme summer droughts once established.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy, low-lying clay that collects standing water.
- Do not shear hard into old, leafless wood.
- Do not over-fertilize, which leads to weak growth and fewer blooms.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
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 5–8. 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 early summer through mid 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.
More Hypericum to compare
Hypericum frondosum Goldmound
Hypericum frondosum
Great St. John's Wort
Hypericum ascyron
Variegated Hypericum
Hypericum patulum 'Hidcote Variegated'
Shrubby St. Johnswort
Hypericum prolificum
Gemo St. Johnswort
Hypericum kalmianum 'Gemo'
Sunny Boulevard Kalm's St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum 'Sunny Boulevard'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Golden 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.