Hypericum calycinum (St. John’s Wort)

Hypericum calycinum (St. John’s Wort) is a small, semi-evergreen shrub with screaming bright yellow flowers, 3 in. wide (7 cm), for weeks from mid-summer to mid-fall. Each rose-like flower presents 5 petals surrounding a prominent tuft of bushy stamens and reddish anthers. Borne solitary or in clusters of 2-3 flowers, they appear in such quantities that they literally cover the foliage. Arranged along procumbent stems, the oval leaves emerge chartreuse-bronzed but quickly turn to medium green, dark green, then blue-green – contrasting against the yellow flowers. A popular groundcover thanks to its lush dark green to bluish-green foliage and its golden flowers. Evergreen in warm winter climates.

• Grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm). Spreads rapidly by underground stems. May invade other plantings unless confined.
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soils but thrives in sandy soils. Best flower production occurs in full sun. Drought tolerant once established.
• Low maintenance, this plant is also generally pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
• Perfect for rock gardens, border fronts, naturalized plantings or massed as a ground cover. Great on banks and slopes for erosion control or under trees where it competes well with shallow tree roots.
• Clip or mow plants in late winter or early spring every 2-3 years to renew and promote new growth.
• Native to Southern Europe, Southwestern Asia