What they do
St. John’s-worts add bright blooms and provide a steady place for pollinators to forage.
Plant profile
St. John’s-worts (native)
Genus Hypericum
St. John’s-worts (genus Hypericum) are sunny, easygoing native wildflowers that offer bright blooms and steady pollinator activity in gardens, schoolyards, and even large containers.
Plant Type
Wildflowers (herbaceous perennials) > St. John’s-worts (native)
Aliases
Hypericum
Native Range
Native species occur across parts of North America; choose locally native options when possible.
Bloom window
Warm-season bloom; timing varies by species
OVERVIEW
About This Plant
St. John’s-worts (genus Hypericum) are a practical choice for a pollinator-friendly planting because they’re bright, generally easy to grow, and fit neatly into mixed beds. Start with sun and good drainage, then let the plant settle in—most of the work is simply giving it space, keeping weeds down early, and avoiding pesticides so visiting insects can do their thing.
If you’re building a small patch, use St. John’s-wort as a “steady” mid-season bloomer, then add a few earlier and later flowering natives around it. That way, your garden offers food across more of the growing season, and it stays interesting to look at, too.
Best role for pollinators
Sunny pollinator patches, school gardens, borders, and low-maintenance plantings
FAST FACTS
Quick Details
Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Hypericum |
| Bloom window | Warm-season bloom; timing varies by species |
| Typical height | Low to medium (varies by species) |
| Pollinators supported | Bees, Butterflies, Flies, Beetles |
| Light & moisture | Best in sun with average moisture; many types handle short dry spells once established |
| Best roles for pollinators | Sunny pollinator patches, school gardens, borders, and low-maintenance plantings |
SUMMARY
If You Remember Three Things
A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.
What they need
Sun, well-drained soil, and a little patience while roots settle in.
One best action
Give them a sunny spot and avoid soggy soil.
IMPACT
Why Plant This?
In a city like Toronto, even small plantings can add up. St. John’s-worts are a practical native option for creating bright, pollinator-friendly habitat in gardens, schoolyards, and containers—without needing complicated care.
Many St. John’s-wort flowers have a “burst” of stamens that makes them especially noticeable to visiting insects.
Key Impacts
What it Supports
- A dependable flowering plant can make it easier for pollinators to find food in busy urban areas.
- Native wildflowers often fit naturally into local garden conditions with less fuss once established.
- Clump-forming plants can help fill gaps in a pollinator patch without constant replanting.
RECOGNITION
Identification Guide
Use these quick clues to recognize St. John’s-worts in the garden. Exact details can vary by species within the genus.
Leaves
Often opposite leaves on the stem; leaf shape and size vary by species, usually simple and smooth-edged.
Flowers
Yellow, star-like flowers with many stamens; blooms are showy and easy to spot in sun.
Fruits
Small seed capsules may form after flowering; appearance varies by species.
Gallery image
Gallery image
LOCATION
Where It Grows
Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.
Habitats
- Open sunny areas
- Meadows and field edges
- Dry to average garden soils
Where it is often used
- Pollinator patch anchor plant
- Sunny border or path edge
- Schoolyard garden beds
- Large containers (choose compact species and give good drainage)
- Low-maintenance mixed wildflower plantings
SEASONALITY
When It Blooms
Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.
Bloom window
Bloom timing depends on the species, but many St. John’s-worts flower during the warmer part of the growing season.
Bloom Season Role: Reliable mid-season color and nectar/pollen stop
Seasonal benefits
- Helps keep your patch active when early spring blooms are finished
- Pairs well with earlier and later bloomers for a longer season of flowers
REQUIREMENTS
What It Needs
The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.
Sun exposure
Plant in full sun for the best flowering; part sun can work but may reduce blooms.
Soil type
Well-drained soil is key. Many types tolerate average garden soil and leaner soils once established.
Moisture needs
Water regularly at first; after establishment, many types handle average moisture and short dry periods.
Planting method
Plant in spring or fall. Space so air can move between plants and the clump can expand naturally.
Mulching tips
Use a light mulch layer to reduce weeds, but keep mulch off the crown to prevent rot.
GARDENING GUIDE
How to Grow It
Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.
Planting tips
- Pick a sunny spot with soil that drains well after rain.
- Loosen the soil and remove weeds in a small circle around the planting area.
- Plant at the same depth as the pot, then firm soil gently around the roots.
- Water well after planting and keep soil lightly moist until you see new growth.
- Add a thin mulch layer to help with weeds, leaving space around the base of the plant.
Seasonal care
- Weed around young plants so they don’t get crowded out early on.
- Water during long dry stretches in the first season; after that, water only as needed.
- After flowering, you can lightly trim to keep a tidy shape (optional).
- Leave some stems and seed heads into fall/winter for garden structure, then cut back in spring.
What not to do
- Planting in heavy shade and wondering why it barely blooms.
- Putting it in a low spot where water pools after rain.
- Using broad-spectrum pesticides to deal with minor leaf damage.
Pairings
Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom
Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.
Early Bloom
- Native spring ephemerals (site-appropriate choices)
- Early-blooming native wildflowers suited to sun or part sun
Mid-Season Bloom
- Bee balm (*Monarda* spp.)
- Black-eyed Susan (*Rudbeckia* spp.)
- Native coneflowers (*Echinacea* spp.)
Late-Season Bloom
- Goldenrods (*Solidago* spp.)
- Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)
- Native grasses for structure and shelter
“St. John’s-wort” can refer to many different Hypericum species. If you’re planting for native habitat, look for species that are native to your area and avoid non-native ornamental types when possible.
GLOSSARY
Key Terms
A few helpful terms you might see when shopping for plants or reading garden labels:
Glossary terms are being added.
What You Can Do
Make a difference for native habitats.
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.