Canary Island St. John's Wort

hypericum canariense

Also known as: ["Canary Island Hypericum","Canary St. John's Wort"]

Family: Hypericaceae Genus: Hypericum Category: Shrubs

Overview

A shrubby evergreen plant native to the Canary Islands, known for its attractive foliage and yellow flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Hypericaceae
Genus: Hypericum
Botanical Name: Hypericum canariense

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: rock garden, coastal areas, or container with good drainage
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly sandy 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 old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates some direct sun in cooler climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on outdoor vs. indoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid shaded corners.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix of cactus soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild temperature fluctuations but dislikes extremes.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings taken from healthy, non-flowering stems.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots develop in 4–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic wrap or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective pruning of stems to shape the plant; cut just above a leaf node or bud.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape the plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; needed if growth slows or soil degrades.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil.

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.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse 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 heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or root damage in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate roots with mulch; avoid cold drafts.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, growth may stall, or flowers may drop in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak sun; increase humidity; water more frequently if heat is prolonged.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring–summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Hypericum canariense may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Hypericum canariense can result from water stress, either due to under or overwatering, or root damage from pests or diseases, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Hypericum canariense may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthesis, premature leaf drop, and weakened plant vigor.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Hypericum canariense due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation upon ingestion of Hypericum canariense. The plant's compounds can cause discomfort but are not typically life-threatening.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea excessive drooling skin irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant and consult a veterinarian if poisoning is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Hypericum canariense can lead to mild gastrointestinal distress and potential photosensitivity. The effects are generally not severe but warrant monitoring.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy skin irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants out of reach of pets and seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Hypericum canariense contains hypericin and other compounds that can cause photodermatitis and mild gastrointestinal upset when ingested. The physiological impact is primarily localized to the skin and digestive system.

⚠️ Symptoms:
skin irritation photodermatitis nausea vomiting
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion and prolonged skin contact, especially when exposed to sunlight.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Hypericum canariense toxic to pets?

A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: How drought-tolerant is Hypericum canariense?

A: It is moderately drought-tolerant once established.

Quick Reference
Family: Hypericaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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