This hardy perennial herb is a sedative with a pain reducing effect and the yellow flowers steeped in oil are good for the skin. It can interfere with conventional medicine and shouldn’t be used regularly without qualified advice. 9x9cm pot (8cm depth)
Description
- Dye herb
- Loved by bees
- Aromatic
- Good herb for the skin
St. John’s wort was administered as a remedy to the Roman army to help stop bleeding and act as a slave for wounds and burns. During the middle ages it was it was credited with keeping houses safe from evil spirits. The cheerful yellow flowers have numerous central stamens packed with pollen for bees to enjoy.
Plant care
- Height: 30-60cm
- Type: Hardy
- Aspect: Sun
- Soil: Any/alkaline
- Flower colour: yellow
- Flowering period: June - September
St. Johns wort grows wild in the UK and I have seen meadows full of its yellow flowers in summer. It thrives in sunny places and isn't too fussy over soil though it wouldn't like very dry types. It spreads through root stock and also self-seeds pretty well. Seedlings growing in the wrong spot can be transplanted when young. It is very happy in both containers and the ground and can be split when established for gifts to others or to make new patches.