Hypericum reptans Hook. f. & Thomson ex Dyer
creeping St John's wort
A mat-forming deciduous shrub, with slender, prostrate stems that root along the length, and small, leathery green leaves that turn red or yellow in autumn. Cup-shaped yellow flowers open from reddish buds at the tips of the stems in summer
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Yellow Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Hypericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming
- 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
- E Himalaya
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in a sheltered spot in well-drained soil, in sun or part shade. Protect from excess winter wet. Ideal for a rockery or for growing over a sunny wall
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Rock garden
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Ground cover
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to a rust and honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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