St. John's Wort, Ames

Hypericum kalmianum 'Ames'

Height: 2-3ft
Spread: 2-3ft
Zone: 4-7
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Growth Rate: Moderate
Bloom Time/Color: July-August; yellow
Uses: Massing, specimen, borders
Maintenance: Low
Other: Deer resistant, native, fall color

St. John's wort is an easy going shrub that is characterized by pillowy yellow blooms in midsummer. Throughout the growing season, they are covered in narrow, fine silver-green foliage that is semi-evergreen depending on location. Bright, lemon yellow flowers with fluffy stamens appear in summer and attract pollinators and butterflies. Once flowers fade, they start to form pointed, elliptical seed heads that give interest to the fall landscape. Native to the Great Lakes, St. John's wort prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade, but are very tolerant of poor soils, salts, clay, and occasional drought. No major insect or disease issues and deer tend to avoid this plant if tastier things are around. 'Ames' was bred at Iowa State University and has excellent cold hardiness.