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Herbaceous Perennial

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
cammock
common 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 lineolatum
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Chalk
Sand
Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H6
Botanical 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)

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