Hypericum perforatum
perforate St John's wort
H. perforatum is an upright perennial with small, ovate leaves and terminal clusters of star-shaped yellow flowers 1.5cm across
Other common names
cammockcommon St John's wort
see moredevil chaser
devil's flight
devil's scourge
God's wonder plant
herb John
human blood
Klamath weed
penny John
rosin rose
St Columba's flower
Synonyms
Hypericum lineolatumSize
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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, N Africa, SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows well in moist but well-drained soil. Ideal for wildflower garden or in mixed border
Propagation
Propagate by seed, division or take softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to a rust and honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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