Hypericum perforatum – St. John's Wort: versatile flowering perennial for gardens, borders, and medicinal uses

Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John's Wort, is a striking and versatile perennial plant that offers both ornamental value and traditional medicinal uses. Known for its bright yellow flowers, delicate leaves, and robust growth, this plant is popular with both gardeners and natural remedy enthusiasts. St. John's Wort brings long-lasting color and texture to gardens, borders, wildlife gardens, and herb planters.

Thanks to its ease of cultivation, abundant flowering and attractiveness to pollinators, Hypericum perforatum is ideal for natural gardens, biodiversity projects and educational gardens.

Bright yellow flowers and fine foliage

St. John's Wort flowers are bright yellow, often with a subtle sheen and small black dots along the petals. The flowers bloom in summer and attract numerous bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The delicate, slightly translucent foliage forms an attractive green carpet that beautifully accentuates the flowers.

Hypericum perforatum combines ornamental value with a natural appearance, making it a perfect fit for wildlife gardens, prairie plantings, and low-maintenance borders.

Medicinal applications

St. John's Wort is traditionally used in herbal medicine for its calming properties. The extract of the flowers and leaves is often used to support stress reduction and mild mood disorders. Note: Using St. John's Wort for medicinal purposes should always be done carefully and preferably under the guidance of a qualified professional.

In addition to its ornamental value, Hypericum perforatum also offers educational and medicinal value, making it a versatile plant for both garden and educational projects.

Ideal for borders, wild gardens and biodiversity

Borders and gardens

• Add long-lasting colour to summer borders with bright yellow flowers.

• Combines beautifully with perennials such as sage, lavender and echinacea.

• Compact growth and fine structure make the plant suitable for both small and large gardens.

Wild gardens and natural landscapes

• Supports biodiversity by attracting bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

• Ideal for natural borders, prairies and herb or educational gardens.

• Winter hardy and low-maintenance, suitable for extensive plantings.

Cultivation characteristics and care

Hypericum perforatum is a low-maintenance, hardy perennial that thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil. It is drought-tolerant and forms a compact, profusely flowering shrub of medium height.

Important cultivation characteristics

• Height: 50–80 cm

• Location: full sun to partial shade

• Soil: well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic

• Water requirement: moderate, drought tolerant

• Flowering period: June to September

• Uses: borders, wild gardens, herbaceous plants, biodiversity projects

Removing spent flowers encourages longer blooms. Hypericum perforatum requires little maintenance and retains its ornamental value and structural strength for years.

Versatile applications in gardens and landscapes

Hypericum perforatum is ideal for various garden styles and landscaping projects. Its bright yellow flowers and fine leaf texture make it suitable for:

• Summer borders and prairie planting

• Wild gardens and natural borders

• Herb and educational gardens

• Biodiversity projects and bee-friendly gardens

• Dried flowers and natural flower arrangements

The long flowering period and robust growth create an attractive, lasting colour accent that is both visually and ecologically valuable.

Why choose Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort)?

• Bright yellow flowers for long-lasting summer blooms

• Fine, attractive foliage for texture and color contrast

• Hardy and low maintenance

• Supports biodiversity by attracting pollinators

• Suitable for borders, wild gardens and herb planters

• Educational and traditional medicinal applications

• Versatile in use in natural and structured gardens