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Products > Hypericum aegypticum   Hypericum aegypticum - Dwarf St. John's Wort    [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Shrub Family: Clusiaceae (Guttiferae; including Hypericaceae) Origin: Mediterranean (Europe) Evergreen: Yes Flower Color: Yellow Bloomtime: Summer Synonyms: [H. heterostylum, Triadenia maritima] Height: 1-2 feet Width: 1-2 feet Exposure: Sun or Shade Seaside: Yes Drought Tolerant: Yes Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F Hypericum aegypticum (Dwarf St. John's Wort) - Often described as a 4 to 12 inch plant though we find that while very slow growing, this plant will grow to be a small shrub 18 to 24 inches tall by about as wide. It has ½ inch long elliptical blue-green leaves with 1 inch wide starry yellow flowers that are solitary but are arranged closely along the branches. Plant in full sun to part shade. Drought tolerant and frost hardy to at least 24 degrees. We received cuttings of this plant from local plantsmen John Bleck, who has had this plant growing in his Goleta yard for many years. His plant, in a foundation planting, is 24 inches tall by about 12 inches wide. It comes from the cliffs and rocks near the Mediterranean Sea - in North African it can be found in Algeria, Libya and Morocco and in Southeastern Europe in Greece (Crete, Ionian Islands and Peloponnese), Italy (Sardinia and Sicily) and Malta. A great little plant for a container, a tight spot or in the rock garden. The name for the genus comes from the Greek words 'hyper' mening "above" and 'eikon', meaning "icon" or "image". In ancient times, the yellow flowers of some species were placed above images to ward off evil spirits, and according to legend, Satan pierced the leaves in revenge. The specific epithet means from Egypt, though this plant seems to be more widespread than this.  This description of this plant is based on our research and our observations of it growing at the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We always appreciate receiving feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or have additional cultural tips that would aid others growing Hypericum aegypticum .