Dwarf St. John's Wort

hypericum mutilum

Also known as: ["Dwarf St. John's Wort","Small St. John's Wort"]

Family: Hypericaceae Genus: Hypericum Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing perennial herbaceous plant native to North America, known for its small yellow flowers and slender stems.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: open garden beds or meadows
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually, after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate. Remove up to one-third of the oldest stems.
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 sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering); stunted growth (poor soil fertility); root rot (poor drainage).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Full sun is ideal; rotate pots for even growth; avoid deep shade for best flowering.

Watering

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

Water thoroughly but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

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

Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with sand or perlite if needed.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 4–8. Prefers temperatures between 60–80°F (15–27°C). Tolerates cold winters and moderate heat.

Protect from extreme cold; water deeply in heat; mulch to regulate soil temperature.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize sparingly; use a balanced formula; apply before active growth begins.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

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 the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.

Medium

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

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 4–6 weeks; plants may take a full growing season to establish.

Tools Needed

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

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic dome; keep out of direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut stems back to a healthy bud or lateral branch. Remove crossing or crowded branches.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth. Best done after flowering.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/damaged growth; shape the plant.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting; acclimate to new pot.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Ensure water penetrates the root ball and allow excess to drain freely. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and leaf wetness.
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 organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or wilting in extreme heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in prolonged cold.

Cold Stress

Plants may become dormant in winter but are generally cold-hardy. Prolonged freezing without snow cover can damage roots.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in fall; avoid planting in low-lying frost pockets; use row covers in extreme cold.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch or wilt in intense heat, especially with poor water access.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; water deeply and mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas. Discontinue fertilizing in late summer to avoid tender growth.

Common Problems & Solutions

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

Wilting in Hypericum mutilum is often caused by water stress, either due to under or overwatering. It can also result from root damage, pest infestations, or soilborne diseases that affect the plant's ability to uptake water.

Leaf spots on Hypericum mutilum may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to unsightly lesions on the foliage. Severe infections can cause defoliation and weaken the plant, reducing its vigor and aesthetic value.

Rotting in Hypericum mutilum is typically associated with root or stem rot caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil, leading to fungal infections such as Pythium or Fusarium. This can cause the plant to decline rapidly and die if not addressed.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset and photosensitivity if they ingest parts of Hypericum mutilum. The toxic compounds, particularly hypericin, can cause irritation and increased sensitivity to light.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy photosensitivity
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary advice promptly to address any potential symptoms.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Hypericum mutilum can lead to mild gastrointestinal distress and potential photosensitivity due to the presence of hypericin. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy photosensitivity
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. If ingestion occurs, monitor for symptoms and consult a veterinarian if they persist.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Hypericum mutilum contains hypericin and other bioactive compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and photosensitivity when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to mild irritation of the digestive tract and increased sensitivity to sunlight.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea photosensitivity
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Wear protective clothing when handling to prevent skin contact with plant sap, 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 mutilum 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 much maintenance does it require?

A: It requires low maintenance and is drought tolerant.

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