St John's Wort 'Hidcote'

Hypericum × hidcoteense 'Hidcote' is a classic and robust evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub that is ubiquitous in UK landscaping for good reason. It is incredibly reliable, forming a dense, rounded mound of dark green leaves. From mid-summer until late autumn, it is literally covered in large, waxy, golden-yellow flowers that reach up to 5cm across, each filled with a central mass of prominent stamens. This shrub is notoriously tough; it is hardy (H5), drought-tolerant, and will grow in almost any soil condition, including heavy clay or thin chalk. It is equally happy in sun or shade, though it flowers most freely in a sunny spot. 'Hidcote' is ideal for use as a low-maintenance hedge, for mass planting on banks, or for adding reliable colour to the front of a shrub border. To keep it vigorous and prevent it from becoming woodier at the base, it can be pruned back hard in early spring. It is highly resistant to most pests and diseases.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Any well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.