Great St. John’s Wort, scientifically known as Hypericum ascyron, is a striking perennial wildflower native to North America. Known for its tall upright growth and brilliant golden-yellow blooms, this impressive plant can reach heights of up to 6 feet tall, creating a bold statement in gardens and naturalized landscapes.
The large five-petaled flowers bloom throughout summer and feature a dramatic burst of long golden stamens that give the blooms a soft, almost fireworks-like appearance. The narrow green foliage grows along sturdy stems, adding texture and structure even when the plant is not in bloom.
Great St. John’s Wort is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens and wildlife habitats. This vigorous grower produces abundant seeds and spreads readily once established, making it ideal for naturalized plantings and meadow gardens.
Easy to grow and adaptable to a variety of conditions, Great St. John’s Wort is valued for its ornamental beauty, pollinator support, and ability to thrive with minimal maintenance.
Great St. John’s Wort Seed Details
- QTY. 100
- Plant Type: Flowering Perennial
- Height: Up to 6 Feet Tall
- Flower Color: Bright Yellow
- Bloom Season: Summer
- Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Soil: Well-Draining Soil
- Pollinator Friendly: Yes
- Growth Habit: Upright, Clump Forming, Readily Self-Seeds
- Ideal Uses: Pollinator Gardens, Native Plant Gardens, Wildflower Meadows, Cottage Gardens, Rain Gardens, Wildlife Habitats, Naturalized Areas, Perennial Borders, Erosion Control
How to grow
Choose a planting location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Great St. John’s Wort grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates.
Prepare the soil by loosening it and mixing in compost or organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. This hardy perennial prefers well-draining soil but adapts well to many soil types.
Sow seeds in spring or fall by lightly pressing them into the soil surface. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination. Seeds may take several weeks to sprout depending on temperature and moisture conditions.
Water young plants regularly until established. Mature plants are fairly drought tolerant but benefit from occasional watering during extended dry periods.
Apply a balanced fertilizer once monthly during the growing season if desired to encourage vigorous growth and flowering.
Prune plants in early spring or fall to remove dead stems and encourage healthy new growth. Deadheading spent blooms may help reduce excessive self-seeding if desired.
Once established, Great St. John’s Wort will provide years of bright summer blooms while supporting pollinators and beneficial wildlife in the garden.
