Gemo St. Johns Wort

Hypericum kalmianum 'Gemo'

American Beauties®

Hypericum Gemo Blooms Nonstop Summer Through Fall with Bright Yellow Flowers on Compact, Mounding Shrub
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Salt Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies

$59⁰⁴

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Out of stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This shrub performs best in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct light daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, too much shade results in fewer flowers and a leggy growth habit rather than a tight, mounded shape.
Soil: Gemo prefers well-drained soil and is quite adaptable to various soil types, including sandy or rocky ground. If you are dealing with heavy clay, incorporate organic compost or peat moss into the planting hole to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Watering Requirements

Provide regular water during the first growing season to help the root system expand into the surrounding soil. Once established, Gemo St. Johns Wort is quite drought tolerant and typically only needs supplemental watering during long stretches of extreme heat. Inconsistent moisture during the peak of summer can cause the foliage to wilt or lead to a shorter blooming window.

Pruning Tips

Because this plant blooms on new wood, you should prune it in late winter or very early spring before the new growth begins. Think of this like a refreshing haircut; cutting the stems back by about one third encourages a dense, bushy form and more flower buds. Regular pruning prevents the shrub from becoming open and woody in the center, ensuring the bright yellow flowers cover the entire plant.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as you see the first green buds appearing. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers in the late summer or fall because this stimulates soft growth that will not have time to harden off before freezing temperatures arrive. One application in the spring is usually sufficient to support healthy foliage and a heavy set of summer blooms.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Compact/Dwarf, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Native, Attracts pollinators, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Disease resistant
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	2-3 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Upright
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Yellow
Foliage Color	Green
Native	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Container
Botanical Name	Hypericum kalmianum 'Gemo'
Species	kalmianum
Cultivar	Gemo
Class	Malpighiales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR

Fantastic Flowers Gemo St. John's Wort Yellow

Small, Bright Yellow Flowers
Profuse Bloomer All Summer and Well Into Fall
Blooms All Summer
Refined Foliage Resembles Willow
Stays Compact
Beautifully Bushy Low Hedges
Fun Cut Flowers
Mounding, Flowering Groundcover
Widely Adaptable
Grows in Full Sun or Partial Shade
Can Be Grown in Containers
Road Salt-Tolerant

Looking for a cheerful plant to use throughout your garden? The ever-popular St. John's Wort Gemo (Hypericum kalmianum 'Gemo') is a top seller in Europe and would do very well in your landscape.

This compact, rounded shrub is covered in bright-yellow flowers at the end of the branches. Each bloom features five, wide-open petals.

Look closely in the center, and you'll see many erect, bushy stamens that add a fun dimensional effect to each flower. These buttercup-shaped blooms look like a glowing yellow star around showy pom-poms!

Gemo St. John's Wort is a wonderfully profuse variety that blooms from July until September. They will keep you smiling.

Don't you just love it when a plant delivers so much interest, over such a long period of time? You get your money's worth with Gemo St. John's Wort.

In the growing season, the shiny foliage looks just like willow leaves. It's very attractive in its own right, even before the blooms start their show.

With a bushy,multi-stemmed branch structure, Gemo looks great all year-long. The leaves are held densely from top to bottom of the shrub and look lush and full.

This easy-care flower factory can be grown across much of the United states. It performs beautifully in full sun, but can also handle a bit of shade through the day.

It's also a versatile plant that stays nice and small. You'll find many places to use it, including in seasonal outdoor containers.

Wherever you plant it, Gemo St. John will have people stopping and staring. Those unique blooms are a real standout in the garden. Order yours today!

How to Use Gemo St.John's Wort in the Landscape

Boost your curb appeal with a pair of outdoor containers flanking either side of your front door. Even if you are renting, these long-blooming plants can decorate your deck, balcony, patio or porch when grown in pots.

These tidy, little yellow-blooming shrubs can be used as a backdrop in a perennial garden. Partner behind Daylilies for a very low-maintenance, modern planting that looks incredible.

Create a small hedge by planting them 18 inches apart on center. You'll measure from the center of one to the center of the next.

Add them to the edge of your planting beds. It can also become a helpful "facer" plant for leggy shrubs, or perennials with bare lower stems.

They are especially useful when used on the east or south side of a shrub border. Try this with mature evergreen trees that frankly, need a little perk-me-up.

Honey bees, butterflies and beneficial pollinators love the fun and funky blooms. Gemo St. John's Wort makes a wonderful contrast in terms of growth habit, color and flower shape to Butterfly Garden host plants like Swamp Milkweed.

Add a row to your Herb Garden, or plant in large containers at the corners of your Victory Garden. You'll help pollination during the coveted "Second Summer" planting in your veggie patch.

This beautiful shrub can brighten up partially shaded areas in your landscape. Create long, irregular drifts along the sunny side of a woodland.

Line your walkways with a straight row of these happy bushes. Or, use in urban street plantings to lift the spirits of all who see it.

#ProPlantTips for Care

This personable shrub grows best in moist, well-drained soil. In other words, keep it watered on a regular basis, but make sure the roots don't sit for long in standing water.

Keep container plants well watered through the growing season. Apply a good drink before you turn off your sprinkler system for the winter.

Lightly prune to shape in early spring after you start seeing new growth. You can tip-prune during bloom time, but only if you bring the flowers inside for beautiful cut flower arrangements!

This is a good choice in areas with heavy deer pressure, as they don't prefer the taste. However, no plant will stand up to a hungry deer. Use deer repellent and reapply according to directions.

It easily tolerates urban conditions and road salt. Support the blooms with an application of organic, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, following instructions on the package.

Make your landscape "pop" with the bold blooms of Gemo St. John's Wort. Order today!

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Gemo St. John's Wort grow well in my planting zone?

Gemo St. John's Wort grows across much of the United States and adapts to various conditions. This hardy shrub thrives in both full sun and partial shade locations. Check your specific zone requirements, as it performs well in most temperate regions.

How much sun does Gemo St. John's Wort need—full sun or partial shade?

Gemo St. John's Wort thrives in full sun but also tolerates partial shade throughout the day. This adaptability makes it perfect for various garden spots where light conditions aren't ideal. Plant it anywhere from sunny borders to lightly shaded areas for reliable summer blooms.

What are the watering requirements for Gemo St. John's Wort after planting?

Water Gemo St. John's Wort deeply twice weekly for the first month after planting. This adaptable shrub tolerates various conditions once established, requiring only occasional watering during dry spells. Water at soil level to keep foliage dry and prevent disease issues.

What type of soil does Gemo St. John's Wort prefer?

Gemo St. John's Wort is widely adaptable and thrives in most well-draining soils. This versatile shrub tolerates both full sun and partial shade conditions, making it forgiving for various garden locations. Avoid waterlogged areas for best performance.

How far apart should I space Gemo St. John's Wort plants for a hedge?

Space Gemo St. John's Wort plants 2-3 feet apart for a low hedge. This compact shrub stays naturally bushy and dense, creating good coverage without overcrowding. For the best selection of healthy plants, shop at Nature Hills.

Is Gemo St. John's Wort easy to grow for beginners?

Yes, Gemo St. John's Wort is an excellent choice for beginners. This easy-care shrub tolerates both full sun and partial shade, adapts widely across growing zones, and even handles road salt. Plant it in spring for bright yellow blooms from July through September with minimal maintenance required.

How is Gemo St. John's Wort shipped—bare root, potted, or something else?

Gemo St. John's Wort ships as a healthy potted plant, ready to transplant into your garden or containers. The established root system gives you a head start compared to bare root options. Plant in spring after frost danger passes for best establishment.

Will Gemo St. John's Wort survive winter in zone 4 or 9?

Gemo St. John's Wort (Hypericum kalmianum 'Gemo') is hardy in USDA zones 4-8, so it will survive winters in zone 4 but not zone 9's heat. This compact shrub thrives in cooler climates with proper winter dormancy. Choose heat-tolerant alternatives for zone 9 gardens.

Are there any pests or diseases I should watch for with Gemo St. John's Wort?

Gemo St. John's Wort is generally pest and disease resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. Occasional issues may include aphids or fungal problems in poorly draining soil. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent most problems.