Saxapahaw, NC

The Flower of Carolina

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  • Product Info

    Shrubby St. John's-wort (Hypericum prolificum)
    St. John's Wort Family

    This densely branched, naturally rounded shrub is a pollinator magnet in early summer. It audibly buzzes with all the bee and fly activity when in peak bloom. Mature plants have hundreds of bright yellow flowers with prominent yellow stamens that provide only pollen to a wide range of pollinators. The flowers open up gradually over 2 months, giving this shrub an extra long bloom time. The leaves and stems of this shrub should not be overlooked–older wood is reddish brown with peeling bark, while leaves are distinctly blue-green in color. Leaves turn a rainbow of colors in cooler months and are semi-evergreen in mild winters. It is not overly picky about sun or soil, growing in just about any condition, but will flower best in more sun. Can be planted as a specimen shrub, or planted in groups as a low hedge.

    Blooms: Yellow, 3-4 weeks, May-June
    Leaves: Blue-green, lance shaped, red tones in winter, semi-evergreen in mild winters
    Height:2-5’ 
    Space: 2-4’
    Soil: Average-Dry-Moist
    Exposure:  Full sun-Part sun-Part shade
    Fauna: Bees, flies, wasps, beetles, butterfly and moth host plant
    Deer Resistance: High
    Zone:3-8
    Native Status: NC Native, common in the Mountains and Piedmont, uncommon in the Coastal Plain
    Provenance: NC, seed grown