Can Shrubby Hypericum Grow in Shade?

Hypericum berries are favorites for flower arrangements.

The shrub forms of Hypericum, or St. John's wort, grow 3 by 3 feet. They bear yellow blooms followed by berries that turn orange, then red, then black. Many are fine choices for part shade -- for example, an area dappled by the leaves of deciduous trees, or on the north side of a house.

Planting Conditions

Hypericums survive winter in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 10. Most will grow in full sun, but the varieties with variegated foliage will burn unless given some afternoon shade.

Care

Water new shrubs weekly during their first year. Hypericum is drought-tolerant once established. To maintain a neat appearance, cut all the stems down to 18 inches in late winter.

Varieties

Hypericum inodorum Glacier has green and white variegated foliage that takes on pink tints. Hypericum androsaemum Gladys Brabazon has green leaves splashed with cream. Hypericum mosarianum Tricolor has pink, cream, white and green variegated leaves on red stems. It grows 2 feet tall. Hypericum Hidcote has large, bright yellow flowers and a long bloom period. It grows to 6 feet.

References

• Paghat's Garden: Hidcote St. John's Wort
• Kemper Center for Home Gardening: Hypericum Moserianum Tricolor

Resources

• Forestfarm: Hypericum Androsaemum Gladys Brabazon