Hypericum hypericoides

Common Names

St. Andrew's Cross, St. Andrews Cross, St. Andrew's Wort, St. Peter's Wort, Peterwort

Summary

St. Andrew’s cross is a native shrub or sub-shrub in the Hypericaceae with an upright, multi-stem habit (sometimes forming a dense mat) and reddish-brown bark on older stems. It features opposite, oblanceolate to linear leaves and bright yellow flowers with four petals arranged in an X, accompanied by numerous stamens; seed capsules are 4–9 mm long enclosing black seeds. Prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade, tolerating average to dry or moist conditions and displaying drought tolerance once established. Hardy in USDA zones 5a through 9b, it can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings and is suitable for borders, rock gardens, native or pollinator gardens, and naturalized areas, while providing wildlife value by attracting bees, butterflies, and birds; it can be planted at pond or stream margins in well-drained soils.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-3 feet

Spread

3-6 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy to loamy soil that is moist and slightly acidic to neutral.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Soil pH

6.0-8.0

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring through Fall; in warmer climates, nearly year-round.

Foliage Color

Green to pale bluish-green foliage.

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds