Overwintering guide
How to overwinter shrubby st john's wort
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills shrubby st john's wort in winter
Cutting shrubby st john's wort hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More shrubby st john's wort care
Overwintering shrubby st john's wort — FAQ
Does shrubby st john's wort need to come indoors for winter?
Shrubby St John's Wort is hardy to roughly USDA zone 5 — winter lows around -29°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Shrubby St John's Wort is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move shrubby st john's wort for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water shrubby st john's wort in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills shrubby st john's wort over winter?
Cutting shrubby st john's wort hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.