Shouldn't be that ephemeral (or expensive). Doubtless you read about another kind. There are about 400 wild species of Hypericum, varying in habit from non-woody to actual trees--with the garden selections like 'Hidcote' representing an additional number. In England 'Hidcote' is

"A superb, hardy, semi-evergreen shrub of compact habit, 2m high by 2-2.5m wide...now one of the most popular of all flowering shrubs" (Hillier Manual of Trees & Shrubs)

Hypericum Hidcote lives forever, many decades. If at some point it gets too big and woody for your tastes, cuttings are extremely easy.

St John's Wort refers to at least two completely different plants depending on where you live.

hi, thanks for the responses. that's what i like to hear! they cost $26 each at the local nursery which is not a lot. but would not have been good bang for buck if they only lasted 5 years..

then again, i've killed my fair share of expensive bushes..

thanks guys!

Any suggestions???? My hypericum-sunburst is all brown, woody and flopping over (about 2 feet in ht). Do I cut back now and how far? I see new shoots coming at the base. It thrived last summer-had beautiful yellow flowers right to the end of summer.