Sunrose

hypericum frondosum

Also known as: ["Pincushion Hypericum","Golden St. John's Wort"]

Family: Hypericaceae Genus: Hypericum Category: Flowers

Overview

A deciduous shrub native to North America, known for its bright yellow flowers and attractive foliage.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny, open position
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–38°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • 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:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moved from shade. Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates to prevent scorching. Outdoor placement is ideal for maximum flowering.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering), stunted growth (nutrient deficiency), or root rot (poor drainage).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; ensure unobstructed sunlight.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil

well-drained, sandy loam with moderate fertility

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

Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for nutrients.

Temperature

Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C). Tolerates winter lows to 0°F (-18°C) but thrives in moderate temperatures.

Protect from frost in containers; avoid placing near heat sources; adjust watering in extreme temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize lightly to avoid excessive foliage at the expense of flowers; stop feeding in late summer to prepare for dormancy.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.

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

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 (70–75°F).

Medium

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

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pots after 3–4 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning of branches and light shaping to improve air circulation.

Pruning Plan

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

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged wood; shape evenly; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, replace with fresh soil mix, and ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container to prevent congestion.

Checklist

Choose new pot; prepare fresh soil; inspect roots; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging, and water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots with minimal waste.
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 to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or leaf drop in extreme heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in severe cases.

Solution: Mulch heavily in winter to insulate roots. Move container plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below -10°F (-23°C).

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade in intense heat, increase watering frequency, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute liquid fertilizers; avoid over-fertilization.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season, avoiding winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Hypericum frondosum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as spider mites or aphids. It can also be a sign of environmental stress, such as excessive sunlight or poor soil drainage.

Wilting in Hypericum frondosum is often caused by water stress, either due to under-watering or over-watering. Root rot from excessive moisture can also lead to wilting, as the roots are unable to absorb water effectively.

Leaf spots on Hypericum frondosum may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to discolored, necrotic areas on the leaves. Severe infections can cause defoliation and reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize.

Rotting in Hypericum frondosum is typically associated with root or stem rot, caused by fungal pathogens in poorly drained soil. This can lead to the decay of plant tissues, eventual plant death, and the spread of pathogens to nearby plants.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset and photosensitivity if they consume significant amounts of Hypericum frondosum seeds or berries. The toxicity is generally low but caution is advised.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy skin irritation upon sun exposure
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Prevent cats from accessing the plant; seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of large quantities of Hypericum frondosum seeds and berries may lead to mild gastrointestinal distress and potential photosensitivity. The effects are typically not severe but should be monitored.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy skin irritation upon sun exposure
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Keep pets away from the plant; consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Hypericum frondosum contains hypericin and other compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and photosensitivity when ingested in significant amounts. The physiological impact is generally limited to mild irritation and discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea skin irritation upon sun exposure
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Avoid ingestion of seeds and berries; wear protective clothing when handling the plant to prevent skin irritation.
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 frondosum toxic to pets?

A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water Hypericum frondosum?

A: Water sparingly, as it is drought tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.

Q: Does Hypericum frondosum attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Hypericaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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