Hypericum androsaemum 'Albury Purple' (St. John's Wort)

Originally native to Europe and parts of Northern Africa, Hypericum androsaemum, also known as sweet-amber, is a shade-tolerant, weedy shrub closely related to St. John's wort. Often grown for their attractive yellow flowers in full sun to part shade locations, the 'Albury Purple' cultivar offers even more ornamental value with its dark burgundy-purple toned new growth. In the US, 'Albury Purple' is often used as a groundcover or in mass plantings, similar to other low-growing Hypericum like Hypericum calycinum. 'Albury Purple' St. John's wort typically grows to 1-3' tall and spreads along the ground to about 2' wide.

Hypericum androsaemum 'Albury Purple' is tolerant of a wide variety of soil conditions, moisture levels, and light types, but performs best in medium-moist, well-drained spots in full sun or light shade, as too much shade can limit the plant's flower production. In especially harsh winters, 'Albury Purple' can die back to the root but is typically considered a deciduous shrub in much of the US. 'Albury Purple' is tolerant of drought and deer damage, and attracts pollinators and birds, making it a great addition to lightly shaded beds or forest edge gardens.