Hypericum, Sunburst

Hypericum frondosum 'Sunburst'

Height: 3-4ft
Spread: 3-4ft
Zone: 5-8
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Growth Rate: Moderate
Bloom Time/Color: June-July; yellow
Uses: Massing, borders, specimen
Maintenance: Low
Other: Fall color, native

St. John's wort is an easy-going shrub that is characterized by pillowy yellow blooms in midsummer. Throughout the growing season, they are covered in narrow, fine bluish-green foliage that is semi-evergreen depending on location. Bright, lemon yellow flowers with fluffy stamens appear in summer and attract pollinators and butterflies. Once flowers fade, they start to form pointed, elliptical seed heads that give interest to the fall landscape. Leaves also turn attractive shades of red, purple, and brown in autumn. Native to the United States, St. John's wort prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade, but are very tolerant of poor soils, salts, clay, and occasional drought.