Elegant St. John’s Wort

(Hypericum elegans)

Elegant St. John’s Wort (Hypericum elegans)

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Estimated Native Range
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Climate Requirements

Precipitation 19" - 22"
High Temp. 60°F - 89°F
Low Temp. -30°F - 33°F
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Summary

Hypericum elegans, commonly known as Elegant St. John’s Wort, is a perennial herb native to open woodlands and grassy slopes in Europe to central Russia, particularly in the Mediterranean region. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) and spreads to a similar width. The plant features bright yellow flowers with delicate, thread-like petals that bloom in the summer months, adding a splash of color to the garden. The flowers are moderately showy and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its leaves are small, oval, and have a smooth texture, which adds to its fine-textured appearance in the landscape.

Elegant St. John’s Wort is valued for its low maintenance requirements, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils. It is often used in rock gardens, borders, and as ground cover due to its spreading habit. In cultivation, it requires minimal care, thriving in full sun to partial shade and tolerating periods of dryness once established. While it is not commonly afflicted by serious diseases or pests, it can occasionally suffer from rust or leaf spots. Gardeners should be aware that in some regions, Hypericum species can become invasive, so it is important to monitor and manage its spread to prevent it from outcompeting native vegetation.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type:
  • Height: 1-1.5 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands and grassy slopes in Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean region

Other Names

Common Names: Himalayan St. John’s Wort

Scientific Names: Hypericum elegans , Hypericopsis elegans , Hypericum anagallidifolium , Hypericum elegans , Hypericum elegans var. pectinatum , Hypericum elegans var. stepposum , Hypericum kohlianum , Hypericum kotoliani , Hypericum kotoliani , Hypericum pulchrum

GBIF Accepted Name: Hypericum elegans