What’s that attractive, low shrub that’s just covered with visiting bees? Why, it’s shrubby St John’s wort (Hypericum prolificum). One of over 400 species of Hypericum, this absolute ‘bee magnet’ has a compact, mounding habit, dark green leaves, and bright yellow flowers. The species name prolificum is a clue to the appearance of the 5- petaled flowers, which are ‘prolific’ indeed, having many stamens. These flowers offer a bountiful supply of pollen–but no nectar– so they’re most attractive to bees, who eat the pollen themselves as well as using it to feed their young.
This plant spreads by rhizomes, but does so slowly and is easily kept under control. It’s largely deer-resistant and is juglone-tolerant. While it will grow in many conditions, full sun and regular moisture will produce the best blooms. And its value to pollinators doesn’t stop with bees–the foliage is a host plant for several moth caterpillars and the gray hairstreak butterfly, and the fruits are enjoyed by birds.
