St. John's Wort
hypericum pulchrum
Also known as: ["Tall St. John's Wort","Ragged St. John's Wort"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with bright yellow flowers and medicinal properties.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Hypericaceae |
| Genus: | Hypericum |
| Botanical Name: | Hypericum pulchrum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings or rock gardens in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching; adjust indoor placement to mimic natural light cycles.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct sun; avoid placing near heat sources.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but avoid frost; adjust for seasonal changes.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring and summer only; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options for gentle feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of stems; heading back to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Shape plant, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased stems.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged stems; shape plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; add fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or chlorosis in cold; scorching or stunted growth in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback; roots are susceptible to freezing damage.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate roots with mulch; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to heat stress.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse pot periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume the berries of Hypericum pulchrum. The phototoxic nature of the plant can also lead to skin irritation upon exposure to sunlight.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Hypericum pulchrum berries can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The phototoxic compounds in the berries may also cause skin sensitivity when exposed to sunlight.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicHypericum pulchrum, commonly known as slender St. John's wort, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon ingestion. The berries are the primary toxic parts, containing phototoxic compounds that may exacerbate skin reactions when exposed to sunlight.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hypericum pulchrum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Hypericum pulchrum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How difficult is it to care for Hypericum pulchrum?
A: It is relatively easy to care for with moderate maintenance needs.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Hypericaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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