Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Hypericum patulum

goldencup St John's wort

A bushy, spreading, evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub 1.2 m tall, with dark green leaves to 6cm long and cup-shaped, golden-yellow flowers in clusters of up to fifteen flowers borne from summer to early autumn

Other common names
spreading St John's wort

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 30% on your first year

Join now
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Hypericaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen or Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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
China (Sichuan, Guizhou)

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil or moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings (greenwood) or semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 8

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.