Blue Velvet St. John's Wort
Hypericum × 'Blue Velvet'Blue Velvet St. John’s Wort is a compact ornamental shrub prized for its unique blue-green foliage, bright golden-yellow flowers, and attractive rounded habit. Beginning in mid-summer and continuing into late summer, cheerful yellow blooms with prominent golden stamens appear along the branches, creating a vibrant display that attracts honey bees and butterflies. The colorful flowers stand out beautifully against the plant’s cool-toned foliage, adding contrast and texture to the landscape.
Its naturally tidy, mounded growth habit makes Blue Velvet an excellent choice for perennial borders, mixed shrub plantings, cottage gardens, and small landscapes. The distinctive blue-green leaves provide visual interest throughout the growing season, while the long-lasting flowers add a bright splash of summer color. The compact size also makes it well suited for patio containers and smaller garden spaces.
Typically growing 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, Blue Velvet thrives in full sun to partial sun and performs best in well-drained soil. Once established, it tolerates heat and periods of drought, making it a dependable, low-maintenance shrub for sunny landscapes.
Care Instructions:
Planting: Plant in full sun to partial sun in well-drained soil.
Soil: Prefers average, well-drained soil but adapts to a variety of soil types.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Once established, water during prolonged dry periods.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring if needed.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage vigorous new growth.
Spacing: Space plants 2–3 feet apart for mature growth.
Maintenance: Remove dead or damaged stems annually and mulch to conserve moisture.
Its unique foliage, cheerful yellow flowers, compact habit, and easy-care nature make Blue Velvet St. John’s Wort a versatile addition to gardens seeking multi-season interest and pollinator value.
