Spreading St John's-wort

Naturally occurs in the mountains of Southeast Asia, from the Himalayas to Japan.

A semi-evergreen, strongly branched shrub up to 1 m tall. Branches are spreading, splayed, pendulous, brown. Young shoots are reddish-green or carmine, glabrous, thin, somewhat two-angled. Leaves elliptic or ovate (5 x 2.5 cm), with a cartilaginous mucronate tip, leathery. Flowers, gathered in terminal, few-flowered inflorescences, are bright yellow, large, with numerous long stamens protruding well beyond the flower. During the flowering period, which lasts about two months, the plants look very attractive. Fruit — a many-seeded leathery capsule, opening in the spring of the following year. Propagated by seed and softwood cuttings in cold frames. Seeds germinate in light, in warmth at 10 - 30 °C.

Undemanding as to soil, but prefers well-moistened. In particularly cold winters it may be killed back to the root collar, but it quickly regenerates and grows better in sheltered positions. Used in solitary plantings, in rock gardens, and in mixed groups. In cultivation since 1862.

Appearance: semi-evergreen, strongly branched shrub, 0.7-1.2 m in height and width.

Flowers: bright yellow, large (5-7 cm wide) inflorescence, one at the tip of the shoot.

Leaves: elliptic or ovate, leathery.

Root system: shallow, sensitive to compaction.

Requirements: sun/shade, relatively winter-hardy, sheltered location, suitable for urban conditions.

Soils: undemanding, but prefers well-moistened.

Zone: 6b