Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) 9 cm Pot

Growth habit & appearance: Hypericum perforatum forms upright, many-stemmed clumps topped with vivid yellow, star-shaped blooms marked by characteristic perforated leaves that glow when backlit. Its bright midsummer display and fine branching structure give it a striking, airy presence, with flowers continuing intermittently through the season. All plants are grown from seed in our nursery in Co. Clare.

Growing conditions: A hardy perennial native to Ireland and well adapted to the Irish climate, it thrives in full sun to light shade and tolerates most well-drained soils. It will gradually expand into small colonies if given space, and withstands wind and cooler summers without issue. Once planted out, it establishes reliably and overwinters without protection.

Traditional & herbal uses: Traditionally associated with supporting mood balance and easing nerve-related discomforts. Topical oil prepared from the flowering tops is widely used for sunburn, nerve and muscle pains, however it can cause photosensitivity to the sun so be mindful when outdoors. The dried herb has a long record of traditional use across Europe.

Maintenance & harvesting: Allow the plant to settle during its first season, then harvest aerial parts (maybe in the second year) when the plant reaches full flower, taking only the upper growth to encourage regrowth. Flowers can be gathered throughout summer as they open. Cut back dead stems to ground level in winter and divide mature clumps in spring to maintain vigour or create new plants.