Hypericum Hidcote – St John's Wort

Hypericum Hidcote is one of the most popular and reliable garden shrubs available, celebrated for its masses of large, saucer-shaped golden yellow flowers produced continuously from midsummer right through to autumn. This outstanding variety has earned the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) for its exceptional garden performance and ease of care.

With its dense, bushy habit and semi-evergreen foliage, Hypericum Hidcote provides year-round structure and interest. Once the long flowering season draws to a close, attractive autumn berries extend the display and offer valuable food for garden wildlife.

Key Features

• Abundant large golden yellow flowers from July to October


• RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) holder


• Semi-evergreen – retains foliage in milder winters


• Compact, bushy habit reaching approximately 1–1.2m in height and spread


• Thrives in full sun or partial shade


• Tolerates most well-drained soils, including dry conditions once established


• Fully frost hardy and suitable for exposed or sheltered positions


• Low maintenance – minimal care required once established


• Bee and butterfly friendly, ideal for wildlife gardens

Planting Ideas and Uses

Hypericum Hidcote is a wonderfully versatile shrub. Use it as a striking border plant, a low informal hedge, or for ground cover on slopes and banks. Its compact size and dense habit make it equally suited to cottage garden schemes, rockeries, foundation planting, or container growing on patios and terraces. For maximum impact, try mass planting for a sweep of golden colour throughout the summer months.

Growing Conditions

This is one of the easiest shrubs to grow. Plant in any reasonable, well-drained soil in a position receiving full sun to partial shade. Once established, Hypericum Hidcote is drought tolerant and requires very little ongoing attention. A light prune in early spring helps maintain a tidy shape and encourages vigorous new flowering growth.

Cultural Information

• Botanical Name: Hypericum x hidcoteense 'Hidcote'


• Common Names: St John's Wort, Hypericum Hidcote


• Classification: Semi-Evergreen Shrub


• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 1–1.2m x 1–1.2m


• Growth Habit: Dense, Bushy, Compact Shrub


• Perfect for: Borders, Low Hedging, Ground Cover, Slopes, Containers, Cottage Gardens


• Flowering Time: July to October


• Flower Colour: Golden Yellow


• Berrying Season: Autumn


• Planting Position: Full Sun to Partial Shade


• Soil Requirements: Any Well-Drained Soil


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (UK Hardy)


• Attracts: Bees, Butterflies and Garden Wildlife


• Type: Hardy Semi-Evergreen Shrub


• Foliage: Mid-Green, Oval to Lance-Shaped Leaves


• Pruning: Light trim in early spring to maintain shape

What You Receive

You will receive one Hypericum Hidcote plant supplied in a 2 litre pot, well-rooted and ready for planting out or potting on.