St. John's Wort
hypericum prolificum
Also known as: ["Klamath weed","Tipton's weed"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to North America, known for its 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 prolificum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: garden bed or border in a sunny location
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–29 to 43°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with amendments.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent scorching.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure soil dries between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage, amend with compost, avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; tolerates temperatures from -30°F to 90°F; prefers cool winters and warm summers.
Protect from frost; water deeply in heat; adjust care based on seasonal extremes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only in spring; avoid over-fertilizing; water well before and after feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in late 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: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).
Medium
Perlite and peat moss mix (1:1 ratio) or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots in 4–6 weeks; establish in new pot after 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic wrap.
Quick Tips
Use fresh cuttings, maintain humidity, avoid direct sun, check for roots after 3 weeks.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back, and shaping cuts to maintain form.
Pruning Plan
Shape plant, encourage bushiness, remove dead/diseased wood, and manage size.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune dead/diseased wood, shape plant, clean up debris, fertilize after pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil mix, ensure good drainage, water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Choose new pot, prepare soil mix, trim roots, position plant, water lightly, place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply until water drains from the bottom, ensure even moisture without waterlogging, and water early in the morning.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during growing season; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost, perlite, or sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn purple; growth slows; may die back in severe cold without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily in fall; protect roots with burlap; avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or dormancy in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, water before/after, avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue in late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are sensitive to the compounds in Hypericum prolificum, which can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and photosensitization. While generally not highly toxic, ingestion should be avoided to prevent discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Hypericum prolificum by dogs may result in mild gastrointestinal irritation and potential photosensitization. The toxic compounds can cause discomfort but are generally not life-threatening unless large quantities are consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicHypericum prolificum contains hypericin and other bioactive compounds that can cause photodermatitis upon skin contact with sunlight. Ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset and potential central nervous system effects in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched or eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hypericum prolificum toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does St. John's Wort attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How difficult is it to care for Hypericum prolificum?
A: It is easy to care for with moderate toughness and maintenance levels.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Hypericaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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