With its slow foliage , yellow blooms , and adaptability , the shrubby St. John ’s wort plant ( Hypericum prolificum ) is a mythic addition to garden across North America . This medium - sized woody bush brightens borders and foundation plantings while also draw pollinators and serving as a larval host .
Whether you ’re a source or experient nurseryman the shrubby St. John ’s wort is easy to contain into divers landscape painting . Read on for tips on caring for this underused aboriginal hoarded wealth .
An Overview of Shrubby St. John’s Wort
Shrubby St. John ’s wort typically grow 3 - 4 feet tall and wide in full sun to part nuance weather condition . It sport small unripened leaves and bring on cheerful clump of yellow flowers from early summertime to early fall . The blooms give direction to interesting brown germ pod .
This North American aboriginal grows well in zones 3 - 8 , tolerating frigid wintertime and spicy summers . It thrive in mediocre garden soils with average moisture but also handle cadaver , Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin , drought , and myopic menstruation of implosion therapy . Once show , shrubby St. John ’s wort is even hare and cervid resistant !
Beyond its intrepid nature , versatility , and stunner , this shrub offers ecological welfare . It hosts several moth and butterfly stroke caterpillars while draw beneficial pollinators of all kinds to its flowers . fowl also eat the seeds and take shelter in the limb during wintertime .
How to Grow Shrubby St. John’s Wort from Seed
Shrubby St. John ’s wort can be grown from cum , bare root plants , and potted greenhouse showtime . come out from seed is an affordable option and allows you to grow mass of novel plants . Here are some backsheesh :
Sow reinvigorated seeds in gloaming or after cold stratifying over wintertime . They ask light to germinate
Press them onto the dirt surface and light breed with compost or vermiculite . Keep damp but not wet .
Germination occurs in 10 - 14 days at soil temperatures around 55 ° fluorine .
graft seedling when they make 2 - 3 inches tall . Harden off before implant outside .
Grow on in quite a little until shrubs are about 6 inches then transfer into their permanent locations .
What to Know About Bare Root and Container Shrubby St. John’s Worts
Mail order nurseries like Prairie Moon Nursery sell shrubby St. John ’s wort as unornamented antecedent works and potted starts . This provides instant satisfaction over develop from seed . Here ’s what to expect :
Bare rootsare dormant plants embark in bounce and pin . They establish quickly when planted during coolheaded weather condition .
Potted plantscome in 3 - coterie or tray of 32 - 50 jump . These are ready to be planted into the garden anytime the land is executable .
Buying nursery plant invalidate the sprouting time lag of seeds . But availability is limited by the greenhouse ’s inventory each year .
How to Plant and Care for Shrubby St. John’s Wort
To avail your new shrubby St. John ’s wort thrive :
choose a site with full Dominicus to light-colored shade and decent drain . Amend clay or sandy grime with compost .
Water on a regular basis until show , about 1 - 2 inch per calendar week . Then piddle only during drought .
put on mulch around the shrub to economize moisture and thin weeds .
Prune lightly in early fountain to influence and thin out older stem turn . avert shearing .
Divide overgrown shrubs in spring or propagate Modern plant life from root word cuttings .
Designing With Versatile Shrubby St. John’s Wort
Some ideas for showcasing shrubby St. John ’s wort in your landscape painting :
expend it as an cozy unfolding hedge along a belongings stock or garden border .
Feature one or more as specimen found in a perennial or native plant garden .
Plant several together for a lush , vivacious fit of coloring in a seam .
rapier one into a pelting garden , native hayfield , or wildlife home ground .
Include it in a landscape island , buffer strip , or eating away control condition area .
turn one in a big good deal on a patio or deck for up close admiration .
Overcoming Potential Problems
Shrubby St. John ’s wort is not susceptible to many issues , but watch for :
Poor floweringif planted in inordinate tad . It needs at least 4 hours of lineal Lord’s Day daily .
Leggy growthin too much shade or competition . ameliorate light and air circulation .
Root rotin soggy soil . meliorate drain and avoid over - lachrymation .
Leaf spotduring humid conditions . advertize melody circulation and remove impact leaves .
The Many Merits of Shrubby St. John’s Wort
With so many assets , it ’s easy to see why shrubby St. John ’s wort deserves a stain in more garden . This tough , wildlife - well-disposed shrub brings multi - season beauty to gardens in diverse mood and conditions . Add its cheery blooms and eco - benefits to your landscape painting !
What’s the Next Step?
Picked out your plant ? View our Resource Guide of garden centers , seed source , landscaper , instruction resource , and more !
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native ! Committee ’s Top Ten pick of native plant for a finical intention .
