Dotted St. John's Wort
hypericum punctatum
Also known as: ["Blue Dotted St. John's Wort","Spotted St. John's Wort"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial with bright yellow flowers and distinctive dotted leaves, native to North America.
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 punctatum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or naturalized areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30 to 40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- 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 before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the oldest stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to full sun to prevent leaf scorch. In hot climates, provide some afternoon shade to protect from intense heat. Indoors, place near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate the plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense midday sun; monitor for signs of sunburn or etiolation.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less frequently in dormant periods
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better structure; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C). Can tolerate cooler conditions down to 20°F (−7°C) but thrives in mild climates.
Protect from frost in winter; avoid placing near heat sources in summer; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly to avoid excessive foliage at the expense of flowers; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing before dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid, and partially shaded environment with indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus potting mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; plants may take an additional season to establish fully.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Keep cuttings consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of older stems and light shaping of new growth. Avoid heavy shearing, which can reduce flowering.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased wood. Pruning also stimulates flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for thicker stems), gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune before bud break; remove dead/diseased wood; thin crowded areas; shape lightly; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove the plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Repotting rejuvenates the soil and provides space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Ensure water penetrates the root ball deeply and allow excess to drain away. Water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and aerated.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in extreme heat; stunted growth or browning leaf edges in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolic processes, causing reduced growth and potential dieback of tender tissues.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; avoid watering when temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering due to water stress and metabolic disruption.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer; avoid winter feeding; monitor for nutrient burn.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring to early fall). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest Hypericum punctatum may experience mild gastrointestinal upset and photosensitivity due to the plant's hypericin content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Hypericum punctatum by dogs can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and potential photosensitivity due to the presence of hypericin.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicHypericum punctatum contains hypericin and other phototoxic compounds that can cause skin irritation upon contact with sunlight. Ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset and potential photosensitivity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched or eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hypericum punctatum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: How often should I water Hypericum punctatum?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings; it is drought tolerant once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Hypericaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
