Hypericum beanii
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Common Name: St. John's wort
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Hypericaceae
Zone: 6 to 7
Native Range: China
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Spread: 2 to 3 feet
Bloom Time: July to September
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Description: Yellow
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Tolerates: Dry Soil, Drought
Uses: Groundcover, Erosion Control, Hedge

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates wide range of soil conditions. Evergreen in warm winter climates of the South, but acts more like a woody perennial in the North where it often dies to the ground in cold winter climates. In USDA Zone 5, it may be best to cut stems back to the ground each year in early spring (as with buddleias). Blooms on new growth.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This St. John's wort is a compact, deciduous shrub which typically grows to 3' tall in the South, but grows closer to 1.5-2' tall in colder climates where it is usually cut to the ground or naturally dies to the ground each winter. Features rose-like, 5-petaled, golden yellow flowers (to 2" diameter) with prominent, bushy, dark yellow center stamens. Flowers bloom from July to September. Oblong, light green leaves (to 2.5" long) appear on willowy stems. Formerly know as H. patulum var. henryi. Plants of the genus Hypericum (some of which have been used since ancient times in the treatment of wounds and inflammations) were apparently gathered and burned to ward off evil spirits on the eve of St. John's Day, thus giving rise to the genus common name.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot and wilt can be significant problems in hot and humid climates.

Garden Uses

Borders, edger or low hedge. Effective massed as a ground cover.

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