Pruning the St. John's Wort


The St. John's Wort (Hypericum 'Pumpkin') was one of my favorite shrubs last summer, a real stunner in early July. I'm hoping for a repeat this year and pruned it a few days ago. I had planned to take it back about halfway but after watching some videos, I found that most people cut it completely back to the ground. Which is what I did.

Before -


 

 And after -

Another good reason for pruning it is to be able to see Rhododendron 'PJM'. It looks puny here but since this was taken, the blooms have opened more and it is looking better. Maybe it felt crowded.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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Comments

chavliness said…
You are a brave soul. A second "after" photo in early July is a must.
March 29, 2021 at 7:48 AM
Kris Peterson said…
Wow. St John's Wort never grew like that in my garden. I hope you get another fabulous summer display.
March 29, 2021 at 2:22 PM
Lisa at Greenbow said…
Gosh I wonder if my St John's Wort will get this big?? I doubt it but glad to know you can cut it down if need be.
March 30, 2021 at 2:22 AM
Hoover Boo said…
It's a beauty. Great it can take a total refresh. Yes, a July photo will be a must.
April 1, 2021 at 8:50 AM
Dorothy Borders said…
That St. John's wort was a beauty in bloom. I've tried growing it before but never that successfully. Obviously, it is happy in your garden.
April 3, 2021 at 9:43 AM
Karin / Southern Meadows said…
I have never prunned my St. John's wort. Maybe I need to try it on one of mine and see how it performs. Mine SJW have gotten rust in the past and then they slowly decline.
April 7, 2021 at 5:05 PM
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