St. John's wort (Hypericum frondosum ‘Sunburst’) hy-PARE-ih-kum fron-DOE-sum Genus:  Hypericum

This is a small, upright, mounded, deciduous shrub with attractive, flaking reddish-brown bark on mature stems and striking, linear to oblong blue green leaves. Midsummer to early autumn, this plant bears golden yellow flowers with striking, bushy center stamens. Reddish-brown fruit capsules ripen in September and persist well into the winter. St. John's wort excels in the Midwest.

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

A popular cultivar with slightly larger flowers on a more compact plant than the species. Foliage is evergreen to semi-evergreen in the southern part of its growing range. Use in hedges, shrub borders, foundation plantings, or en masse. May be susceptible to winter damage, which will not affect flowering.

Care: 

Provide full sun to part shade and moist but well-drained, rich, sandy soil. 'Sunburst' will tolerate some drought. Mulch in winter.

Propagation: 

Sow seed in a cold frame in autumn. Divide in spring or autumn. Take softwood cuttings in late spring; greenwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

Problems: 

Thrips, scale, anthracnose, rust, and leaf spots. Wilt and root rot, particularly in hot and humid climates.

Overview

Height 3 ft. to 6 ft. Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Interesting Bark, Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage, Showy Fruit Bloom Time Fall, Summer Flower Color Yellow Uses Beds and Borders, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Tolerance Drought Tolerant Type Shrubs