Hypericum kalmianum 'Gemo' - St. John's Wort
DESCRIPTION
St. John's WortHypericum kalmianum 'Gemo'
This selection is more tightly branched then the species and blooms longer as well. Butterflies and native bees are drawn in numbers to its large yellow flowers from July till September. Willow like foliage is unique looking, clean, pest free and adds subtle yet effective texture to the landscape.
BENEFITS
- Covered in small, radiant yellow blooms in late summer
- Attracts bees and other beneficial insects
- Use as a low informal hedge or mounding ground cover
- Fine textured foliage gives it a refined look
- Easy to grow, low maintenance
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Dunes and rocky lake shores, common around the Great Lakes from the Ottawa River to southern Ontario, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan south to Illinois and Ohio.
Map Credit: The Biota of North America
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)
Interesting Facts
Bumblebees are black and yellow and hairy. They carry pollen on their hind legs to bring back to the hive. They are often found foraging at flowers and are quite docile while at work. Bumblebees are beneficial insects and have no equal when it comes to pollinating certain crops such as red clover and blueberries.
GROWING TIPS
Easy to grow in average, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, rich, sandy loams but tolerates poor soils and drought. If plants need pruning, cut them back to shape and reduce the size of the plant in late fall.