Aaronsbeard St. John’s Wort (Hypericum calycinum)

Aaronsbeard St. John’s Wort
Scientific Name: Hypericum calycinum Linn.
Family: Hypericaceae

Show Larger Picture Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 2-24
USDA: 6-11

Frost Tolerance: Occasionally killed to the ground in winter in Zone 6
Sun Exposure: Sun to shade
Origin: Southeastern Europe, Middle East
Growth Habits: Perennial semi-woody groundcover, 12 inches tall (30 cm), 18 inches spread (45 cm)
Watering Needs: Moderate water, takes some drought, likes sandy soil
Propagation: Rooted stem cuttings, crown division. Spreads by underground stems.

The genus name Hypericum means "above a picture", referring to the fact that in some ancient cultures, it was hung above pictures to ward off evil spirits. The name calycinum comes from the Latin for 'with a conspicuous calyx'.

Cultural Practices:
Cut the tops every other year to avoid for it to look bedraggled in late summer. Can be invasive if not confined. It prefers sandy, alkaline soils.
The Aaron's Beard has virtually no disease problems.

Blooming Habits:
The Aaronsbeard St. John’s Wort has 3 inches in diameter (7 cm) bright canary yellow flowers that contrast with the dark green foliage. Each flower lasts one to two weeks. It blooms mostly in June and July, and sporadically most of the summer.

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