Magical Midnight Glow St. John's Wort

Magical Midnight Glow St. John's Wort (Hypericum inodorum 'Magical Midnight Glow')

Magical Midnight Glow St. John's Wort delivers dramatic foliage and long-season interest in a compact shrub that is easy to fit into everyday landscapes. Dark, wine-toned leaves create a rich backdrop through the growing season, then bright yellow flowers add a clean pop of color as summer approaches. After bloom, ornamental berries extend the display into late summer and fall, keeping the plant relevant well past peak flowering. Use it when you want a small shrub that adds contrast, texture, and seasonal change without extra maintenance.

Distinctive Features

This compact, mounding St. John's Wort is valued for dark foliage that can read deep red to burgundy, paired with bright yellow flowers and showy berries that follow. Flowers appear from late spring into summer, then berries develop later in the season and mature in rich red to maroon tones for fall interest. The plant holds a dense, rounded shape that looks tidy in mixed beds and is also useful for cut stems when berries are present. Mature size is typically about 30 to 36 inches tall and 30 to 36 inches wide.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade, with best flowering and berry set in brighter light.
• Soil: Average garden soil that is moist but well-drained is ideal.
• Water: Provide consistent moisture during establishment, then water during extended dry periods.
• USDA Zones: Zones 6 to 9.
• Mature Size: About 30 to 36 inches tall and 30 to 36 inches wide.
• Habit: Compact, dense, mounding shrub.
• Notable Traits: Ornamental berries and rust resistance support strong late-season performance.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a focal point where dark foliage and fall berries can anchor a bed and add bold contrast for months.
• Foundation Planting: Place in front of taller shrubs for a tidy mid-layer that stays full and colorful.
• Border Massing: Plant in groups to create repeating mounds with a bloom-to-berry seasonal transition.
• Container Accent: Use in large containers for a compact shrub that stays interesting from flowers through berries.
• Cut Stem Garden: Plant where berry stems can be harvested for arrangements and seasonal decorating.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly the first season to establish roots, then water as needed during dry stretches.
• Mulching: Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds, keeping mulch a few inches away from the stems.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to early spring to refresh shape and encourage vigorous new growth.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in spring if needed, and avoid overfertilizing that can reduce flowering and berry set.
• Cleanup: Remove winter-damaged stems in spring and thin lightly if the center becomes crowded.
• Drainage: Avoid consistently wet soils to support long-term vigor and cleaner foliage.

Why Choose Magical Midnight Glow St. John's Wort?

• Dark Foliage Contrast: Deep, wine-toned leaves add depth and make neighboring greens and silvers look sharper.
• Flowers Then Berries: Yellow blooms lead into a showy berry display for extended seasonal interest.
• Compact Size: Fits borders, foundations, and containers without overwhelming the design.
• Tidy Habit: Dense branching keeps the shrub looking full and intentional through the season.
• Strong Late-Season Value: Berries and foliage color help the planting stay attractive into fall.

If you want a compact shrub that delivers contrast early, flowers in season, and berries later, Magical Midnight Glow St. John's Wort is a practical choice. Plant it in sun to part shade with reliable drainage and keep moisture steady while it establishes. Over time it becomes a dependable, low-fuss accent that keeps contributing long after many summer bloomers fade.