Updated: May 7, 2024

Aaron’s Beard, also known as St. John’s Wort, is a versatile and beautiful plant that belongs to the Hypericum genus. This plant is famous for its attractive flowers and its ability to thrive in a variety of environments. There are several different types of Aaron’s Beard plants, each with unique characteristics that make them popular among gardeners and plant enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore some of the most common types of Aaron’s Beard plants and what sets them apart.

Hypericum calycinum

One of the most popular varieties of Aaron’s Beard plant is Hypericum calycinum, also known as Creeping St. John’s Wort. This type of Aaron’s Beard is a low-growing evergreen shrub with bright green leaves and large yellow flowers that bloom in summer. Hypericum calycinum is well-suited for ground cover or edging in gardens due to its spreading habit and ability to tolerate a variety of soil conditions. It is a hardy plant that can thrive in both full sun and partial shade.

Hypericum perforatum

Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as Common St. John’s Wort, is another well-known type of Aaron’s Beard plant. This variety is a herbaceous perennial with small yellow flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. Hypericum perforatum is often used in herbal medicine for its purported healing properties and has a long history of traditional use. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

Hypericum frondosum

Hypericum frondosum, or Golden St. John’s Wort, is a compact shrub with glossy green leaves and bright yellow flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. This variety of Aaron’s Beard plant is prized for its ornamental value and is often used in borders or rock gardens. Hypericum frondosum thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a popular choice for landscaping projects.

Hypericum kalmianum

Hypericum kalmianum, also known as Kalm’s St. John’s Wort, is a deciduous shrub with dark green leaves and small yellow flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. This variety of Aaron’s Beard plant is well-suited for hedging or mass planting due to its upright growth habit and dense foliage. Hypericum kalmianum prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil to thrive.

Hypericum ‘Hidcote’

Hypericum ‘Hidcote’ is a cultivar of Aaron’s Beard plant that features dark green foliage and large golden-yellow flowers that bloom in midsummer. This variety is prized for its long flowering period and compact growth habit, making it ideal for containers or borders. Hypericum ‘Hidcote’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and can attract pollinators to the garden with its vibrant blooms.

Hypericum ‘Brigadoon’

Hypericum ‘Brigadoon’ is another popular cultivar of Aaron’s Beard plant known for its variegated foliage and bright yellow flowers that bloom in summer. This variety offers a splash of color to the garden with its striking leaves that change color throughout the season, ranging from green to gold to pink. Hypericum ‘Brigadoon’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it a versatile choice for landscaping projects.

In conclusion, Aaron’s Beard plants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a popular choice for gardeners looking to add beauty and interest to their landscapes. Whether you prefer low-growing ground covers or compact shrubs with vibrant blooms, there is likely a type of Aaron’s Beard plant that will suit your gardening needs. Consider exploring these different varieties to find the perfect addition to your garden or landscape design.