The Fast-Spreading Yellow Flowering Ground Cover That Flourishes In Sun Or Shade

Do you have an area in your yard that would benefit from a fast-spreading ground cover that's also shaded for part of the day? While there are plenty of ground cover plants that love shade, there's one cultivar that's a favorite with landscapers because it not only grows quickly, but it is also quite hardy and can flourish in both sun and shade. Plus, it has the most delightful five-petaled yellow flowers with multiple upright stamens that give the illusion of a powder puff. This attractive ground cover is known as Hypericum calycinum 'Brigadoon.'

'Brigadoon' is a hybrid plant that grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 10. You might also see it labeled as creeping St John's wort. The leaves are a pale green to light golden color, with the intensity varying depending on whether the plant is grown in full sun or part shade. The pretty blooms are quite large (up to 3 inches in diameter) and appear in summer. 'Brigadoon' grows to a height of 12 inches with an easy spread of 24 inches through underground stems, aiding its mobility. It's important to note that the Hypericum calycinum species is listed on the Oregon invasive plant list, so always check with your local municipality before planting this cultivar in your garden.

'Brigadoon' is one of those hardy plants that adapt easily to any type of well-drained soil. It's drought-tolerant once established and can handle both sunny and shady spots in your garden. However, you'll find that it won't flower as prolifically if it's grown in shade. Nevertheless, the brilliant foliage will still provide some beautiful color in those less well-lit areas of your garden. You'll also find that this plant is perfect for planting on slopes to help control soil erosion. Space individual plants around 18 inches apart to get good coverage. Or, you could consider pairing it with other beautiful ground covers that are great for preventing soil erosion. 

In cold regions, the plant will die back over winter but will come back again in spring. If you live in a milder climate, 'Brigadoon' will remain evergreen all year round. In this case, it's a good idea to cut it right back in early spring, as this will initiate lots of new growth. Just a word of caution – this plant is highly toxic if ingested and can also cause skin irritation from the sap, so make sure you wear gloves when cutting it back. Finally, there's a related species that you might find quite appealing, known as sweet-amber (Hypericum androsaemum). It's one of numerous gorgeous flowering shrubs that thrive in the shade, although it is regarded as invasive in California.