Aaron's Beard
Hypericum calycinum
Also listed as Androsaemum calycinum, Ascyrum calycinum
Also known as Creeping St. John's Wort, Rose-of-sharon
Climate Match for your location
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A vigorous, low-growing groundcover with bright golden-yellow flowers and dense foliage that spreads rapidly across slopes and sunny areas. Extremely hardy and drought-tolerant once established.
Why grow it
Hypericum calycinum outperforms many conventional groundcovers in poor soil and drought conditions, making it useful where water conservation matters. Its dense habit and prolific flowering provide season-long color with minimal maintenance once established, though it grows more slowly in shade than Vinca or Ajuga species. The plant spreads reliably without the invasive tendencies of some aggressive alternatives.
Watch out for
Established patches can become quite dense and mat-like, potentially requiring periodic cutting back to maintain appearance and prevent thatch buildup. It performs best with good drainage and struggles in waterlogged sites. In cooler climates, winter dieback of above-ground growth is normal, and recovery may be slower than in mild regions.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Hypericaceae
Native Range
southeast Europe, western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A vigorous, low-growing groundcover with bright golden-yellow flowers and dense foliage that spreads rapidly across slopes and sunny areas. Extremely hardy and drought-tolerant once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Aaron's Beard grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Hypericum calycinum outperforms many conventional groundcovers in poor soil and drought conditions, making it useful where water conservation matters. Its dense habit and prolific flowering provide season-long color with minimal maintenance once established, though it grows more slowly in shade than Vinca or Ajuga species. The plant spreads reliably without the invasive tendencies of some aggressive alternatives.
Watch out for
Established patches can become quite dense and mat-like, potentially requiring periodic cutting back to maintain appearance and prevent thatch buildup. It performs best with good drainage and struggles in waterlogged sites. In cooler climates, winter dieback of above-ground growth is normal, and recovery may be slower than in mild regions.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Hypericaceae
Native Range
southeast Europe, western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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