Hypericum reptans Hook. f. & Thomson ex Dyer

RHS Plant Profile
creeping St John's wort

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Shrubs Alpine Rockery

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

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)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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)