Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.

For Hypericum tenuifolium (St. John’s Wort), choosing the right companion plants can create a visually appealing and ecologically balanced garden. Here’s a detailed guide to companion planting for St. John’s Wort, focusing on both Florida Native and Florida Friendly plants, complete with their USDA Planting Zone Range, benefits, and uses:

Florida Native Plants:

1. Salvia coccinea (Scarlet Sage)

   • Zone Range: 8-10

   • Benefits: Adds vibrant red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, complementing the yellow blooms of St. John’s Wort.

   • Use: Plant alongside or in front of St. John’s Wort in a border or pollinator garden.

2. Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan)

   • Zone Range: 3-10

   • Benefits: The bright yellow and black flowers create a striking contrast and attract a variety of pollinators.

   • Use: Suitable for background planting, providing a taller backdrop to the lower-growing St. John’s Wort.

3. Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)

   • Zone Range: 4-10

   • Benefits: Offers bright orange blooms and serves as a host plant for monarch butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.

   • Use: Combine with St. John’s Wort in a sunny spot to create a hotspot for butterflies.

4. Muhlenbergia capillaris (Pink Muhly Grass)

   • Zone Range: 6-11

   • Benefits: Provides a beautiful textural backdrop with its delicate pink plumes in the fall.

   • Use: Plant behind or around St. John’s Wort for a contrast in texture and color.

Florida Friendly Plants:

1. Lantana camara (Lantana)

   • Zone Range: 8-11

   • Benefits: Drought-tolerant and prolific bloomer attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, providing continuous color and wildlife activity.

   • Use: Ideal for edges or as ground cover alongside St. John’s Wort in mixed beds.

2. Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (Blue Porterweed)

   • Zone Range: 9-11

   • Benefits: Continuous bloomer that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, complementing the pollinator-friendly nature of St. John’s Wort.

   • Use: Excellent for adding height and a splash of blue to the garden palette.

3. Agapanthus spp. (Lily of the Nile)

   • Zone Range: 8-11

   • Benefits: Adds vertical interest with its tall, striking blue or white flower stalks.

   • Use: Plant behind St. John’s Wort for a layered, vibrant garden design.

4. Pentas lanceolata (Pentas)

   • Zone Range: 8-11

   • Benefits: Known for attracting pollinators with its star-shaped flowers, available in a variety of colors.

   • Use: Mix with St. John’s Wort to create a full, colorful, and active flowering area.

Implementation Tips

• Light Requirements: Ensure all chosen plants thrive under similar light conditions to St. John’s Wort for uniform growth.

• Watering and Soil Needs: Group plants with similar water and soil preferences to promote health and reduce maintenance.

• Aesthetic Considerations: Choose plants that offer contrasting but harmonious colors and textures to maximize visual interest and create a dynamic garden landscape.

This selection of companion plants not only boosts the visual appeal of your garden but also supports a healthy ecosystem, making your gardening experience both beautiful and beneficial.