Hypericum ‘Pumpkin’ (St. John’s Wort)
One of the most dramatic and beautiful shrubs in the summer garden is St. John’s Wort ‘Pumpkin’ (Hypericum x inodorum). There are over 400 species of this plant and they range from groundcovers to larger-sized specimens like this one.
The larger shrub varieties are hybrids created between H. hircinum and H. androsaemum. Commonly called “toute saine” in French, it means “all healthy” or “all-heal”, which refers to its medicinal value.
This plant is easy to grow in sun or part shade. It is semi-evergreen or at least the leaves cling to the plant in winter. In very early spring, prune back about half of the stems half-way to the ground. The other half can be tip pruned. In just a few weeks, the plant should take off again and double in size. In the garden, you can expect it to get over 4 feet tall and as broad. Blooms begin to appear in late June.
The small yellow flowers that adorn the plant appear in clusters as well as singles. Beautiful stamens are included. At the same time, you have these lovely red berries. The flowers are excellent for arrangements.
And if that isn’t enough to entice you, there is another incentive – the bees love it! It is continually abuzz with them.
Key Characteristics
Botanical Name – Hypericum x inodorum ‘Pumpkin’
Common Name – St. John’s Wort
Type: Small shrub
Foliage Type: Semi-evergreen
Size – 4-5′ tall and wide
Bloom Time – June – October (Pacific Northwest)
Flower color – Yellow (red to orange berries)
Leaf color – Medium to light green
Exposure – Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs – Average, moist soil
Growth Rate – Medium to Fast
Pruning – Cut back early in season before new growth begins
Hardiness – Zones 5-9
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Deer Resistant – Yes
Drought Tolerant – Yes
