Well known in recent times for its medicinal use in the treatment of depression, this versatile plant has more traditionally been used as a topical antiseptic and anti-inflammatory wound healer. You can use it as an oil or turn it into a soothing balm. Easily grown and adding a splash of yellow to summer borders, St John\'s Wort produces a profusion of flowers which when harvested, bruised and left to steep in sunflower oil on a sunny windowsill, magically turns the oil from yellow to bright red, by which time it is ready to do its stuff next time you get into a scrape! Flowers late May-June. Height 70-80cm (27-31); spread 40-50cm (16-20). View the recipe for St John’s Wort Healing Balm traditionally valued for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory wound healing properties.