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ShrubsAlpine Rockery

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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Ultimate height

Up to 10cm

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.1–0.5 metres

Chalk

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Hypericaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Matforming
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: 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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