St. John's Wort: Blooming Beauty and Healing Herb

St. John’s Wort is a plant that has a very recognizable name and is well established within the gardener’s lexicon. However, there are so many varieties, ranging from medicinal to ornamental, that it seems like a good topic to drill down on a bit.

The most well-known and extensively studied medicinal St. John's Wort, scientifically known as Hypericum perforatum, is native to Europe, but it has been naturalized in various regions around the world, including North America. In the United States, it is primarily produced as large crops in regions with suitable climates such as California, Oregon, and Washington although it can grow successfully in many regions. Hypericum perforatum is widely used in herbal medicine and has been researched for its potential benefits in treating mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and its anti-inflammatory properties. Consult your health care provider or an experienced herbalist for more information about medicinal use.

Ornamental St. John’s Wort comes in many forms and sizes and, in my opinion, is under utilized given its adaptability to full sun or part shade and a wide variety of soil conditions. I’m going to focus on two varieties that we have available at Cavacini Garden Center, Hypericum calycinum’Fiesta', which is a low-growing herbaceous type, and Hypericum x inodorum 'Kolsan' (commonly called Floralberry), which is a deciduous and semi-evergreen shrub.  The best news is that both are deer resistant!

St. John’s Wort 'Fiesta' (Hypericum calycinum 'Fiesta') is prized for its eye-catching foliage. The leaves are variegated, featuring a combination of green, creamy white, and pinkish-red colors. The variegation adds visual interest to the plant even when it's not in bloom. This cultivar is a low-growing shrub, typically reaching a height of around 12" and spreading to about 2 feet wide. It forms a dense mat of foliage, making it suitable as a groundcover or for edging borders. 'Fiesta' produces small, star-shaped yellow flowers with prominent golden stamens. The flowers bloom from early summer to early fall, adding a splash of color to the plant. While the flowers are not as showy as some other St. John's Wort varieties, they still provide a charming touch. This cultivar is generally adaptable and can tolerate a range of growing conditions. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil. Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant. From a care perspective, 'Fiesta' is relatively low maintenance. It benefits from regular watering during dry periods and occasional pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. It is generally disease-resistant and has good resistance to pests.

Hypericum x inodorum 'Kolsan' is a hybrid species that is a cross between Hypericum calycinum and Hypericum androsaemum. It is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub, commonly called Floralberry, that typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet and spreads to about 3 to 4 feet wide. The leaves are typically elliptical or lance-shaped, with a glossy texture and a medium to dark green color. Hypericum x inodorum, or inodorous St. John’s Wort, produces an abundance of showy flowers during the summer months. The flowers are typically in shades of yellow, gold, or sometimes pink. They have five petals and numerous prominent stamens, giving them a star-like appearance. The blooms can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden. After the flowers fade, Hypericum x inodorum produces small berries that turn from green to red or black as they mature. These berries are not typically consumed by humans and can be somewhat ornamental. Known for its hardiness and adaptability, this St. John’s Wort shrub can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including various soil types, full sun to partial shade, and moderate drought. It is often used in landscaping as a low-maintenance shrub due to its ability to thrive in different environments.

With their attractive foliage, colorful flowers, and ability to tolerate different growing conditions, these varieties of St. John’s Wort are versatile and popular choices for adding easy-to-care-for visual interest to outdoor spaces.

Floralberry St. John's Wort or Hypericum x inodorum 'Kolsan'

Floralberry St. John's Wort or Hypericum x inodorum 'Kolsan'