Brilliant
canary-yellow blossoms crown the
semi-evergreen leaves of Hypericum calycinum (commonly called St. John's Wort) from early summer to early fall. Many consider it one of the finest, most dramatic groundcovers available, and simply put, the flowers, with their explosion of tiny whiskers in the center of five yellow petals, are show-stoppers on this low-maintenance plant often used as a shrub or ground cover.
What is splendid about St. John's Wort is that after the bright yellow petals are spent and fall,
sepals remain and look like a smaller yellowish green flower offering a constant show. Not to be outdone by the blazing yellow blossoms (3 inches in diameter), St. John's Wort foliage puts on quite a display as well with 1 inch wide
ovate leaves that emerge chartreuse-bronzed then quickly turn medium-green, followed by dark-green and finally, in autumn, turn a deep purplish blue-green.
This groundcover has a dense, trailing, semi-woody habit making St. John's Wort an excellent choice for rock gardens,
border fronts,
naturalized plantings,
erosion control, for stabilizing embankments/hillsides and for planting
under trees as it has no trouble competing with shallow tree roots. We recommend St. John's Wort for somewhat large to very vast areas as it will
spread moderately fast by
rhizomes.
It prefers moist, well-drained, average-fertility soils in
partial shade; however, it is tolerant of heat,
drought,
poor or sandy soils, various soil pHs, and some soil compaction. Whether let to grow over a vast area or kept confined, this groundcover offers an incredible display with her golden blossoms and constantly changing foliage.
Things to Note One of very few effective groundcovers for dry, shady areas.
In Zones 5 and 6, winters may kill its top growth to the ground.
Though not a
vine, its behavior is so similar, we include it in the search results for vines, so keep that in mind when planting.
Happy in full sun in zones 5/6, it prefers afternoon shade in zones 7-10.
Interesting Facts St. John's Wort has been used for medicinal purposes throughout history. Though controversial, herbalists prescribe its use for ailments ranging from depression, insomnia, inflammation, kidney problems, lung issues and bacterial infections.
This ground cover is indigenous to Southeast Europe and Southwest Asia.
Another common name for St John's Wort is "Aaron's Beard" because of the whisker-like stamen that protrude from its center.
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Full sun 
Part sun