Hypericum hircinum
stinking St John's wort
A medium-sized, semi-evergreen shrub with many upright and spreading stems from the base, bearing paired, narrowly oval, pointed leaves. The yellow flowers, up to 4cm across, have narrow petals and a central starburst of long stamens
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Hypericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Hypericum can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or trees, evergreen or deciduous, with usually paired leaves and showy yellow flowers with prominent stamens, followed by capsules, occasionally berry-like
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe Asia Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows well in moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to a rust and honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.