Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks
Winter
Not in bloom
Spring
Peak bloom
Summer
In bloom
Fall
Not in bloom
Peak bloom
In bloom
Background
Native to dry, rocky woodlands and glades of the south-central and southeastern US, golden St. John's wort is a rounded, blue-green-leaved shrub covered in large, 2-inch golden-yellow flowers with a prominent burst of stamens from early to midsummer. Exfoliating tan bark adds winter interest once the leaves drop.
It's a genuinely low-maintenance shrub, thriving in the dry, rocky, well-drained soil common to its native glades and needing little supplemental care once established. It's pest- and disease-free in most gardens and deer generally pass it by.
Care guide
SunFull sun to part shade
WaterLow to moderate; drought tolerant once established
SoilAverage to dry, loamy or rocky, well-drained
Spacing3–4 ft
Height3–4 ft
Zone5a – 8b
Native Region
Native range, from wild records. Select a state for its native plants.
Ecoregions:Eastern Temperate Forests
winter
watchNote exfoliating tan bark for winter interest once leaves have dropped.
summer
watchEnjoy large golden-yellow flowers with prominent stamens through early summer.
cutPrune lightly to shape immediately after flowering if needed; avoid pruning later, which removes next year's buds.