This is a small, upright, mounded, deciduous shrub with attractive, flaking reddish-brown bark on mature stems and striking, linear to oblong blue green leaves. Midsummer to early autumn, this plant bears golden yellow flowers with striking, bushy center stamens. Reddish-brown fruit capsules ripen in September and persist well into the winter. St. John's wort excels in the Midwest.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsA popular cultivar with slightly larger flowers on a more compact plant than the species. Foliage is evergreen to semi-evergreen in the southern part of its growing range. Use in hedges, shrub borders, foundation plantings, or en masse. May be susceptible to winter damage, which will not affect flowering.
CareProvide full sun to part shade and moist but well-drained, rich, sandy soil. 'Sunburst' will tolerate some drought. Mulch in winter.
PropagationSow seed in a cold frame in autumn. Divide in spring or autumn. Take softwood cuttings in late spring; greenwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
ProblemsThrips, scale, anthracnose, rust, and leaf spots. Wilt and root rot, particularly in hot and humid climates.
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- Genus : Hypericum
- Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
- Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
- Zones : 6, 7, 8, 9
- Tolerance : Drought Tolerant
- Bloom Time : Fall, Summer
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Characteristics : Interesting Bark, Showy Foliage, Showy Fruit
- Maintenance : Low
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Plant Type : Shrubs
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
- Flower Color : Yellow
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