Not to be confused with its more well-known cousin, St John’s wort, shrubby St John’s wort (Hypericum prolificum) is one of over 400 species of Hypericum. In summer, 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.) But the show’s not over–in autumn, the foliage puts on a gorgeous display of variegated yellow, orange and red, and birds enjoy the seed capsules.
It 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.
A special favorite of bumble bees, shrubby St John’s wort is highly attractive to many pollinators, and the foliage is a host plant for several moth caterpillars and the gray hairstreak butterfly.
Looking for something interesting for the late season garden? Break out of your autumn rut with shrubby St John’s wort!
