Hypericum calycinum
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Hypericum calycinum

Aaronsbeard St. John’s Wort · Rose-of-Sharon · Aaron's-beard · Gold flower · Rose of Sharon

Tier 1 Difficulty: easy Water: moderate Light: full_sun Toxicity: high
Water every
7 days
Temperature
5–35 °C
Soil pH
5–7
Hardiness
Zone 4–9
Click count
659
Observations
5,776

Description

Source: leafsnap

Hypericum calycinum, commonly known as St. John's Wort, is a low-growing perennial plant from the Hypericaceae family. Native to Europe and Asia, it has spread widely and is now naturalized in North America and other regions worldwide. This plant features glossy, dark green leaves that are oblong or lance-shaped, growing up to 3 inches in length. From mid-summer to early fall, it produces bright yellow flowers with five petals. These blooms are followed by small capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. Hypericum calycinum thrives in well-drained soil and can grow in full sun or partial shade. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types and conditions. Often used as ground cover, this plant spreads quickly through underground rhizomes. The plant has a long history of medicinal use, known for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antidepressant properties. However, caution is advised as some species of Hypericum may interact with medications, including antidepressants. In summary, Hypericum calycinum is an attractive, low-maintenance plant that adds ornamental value to gardens. It also offers potential medicinal benefits when used correctly and under medical supervision.

💡 Although its name may sound Biblical, creeping St. John's wort is neither from the Holy Land nor is it the rose of Sharon referenced in the Song of Songs. That rose is likely a crocus, either Tulipa montana or Sharonensis. Hypericum calycinum, which is the scientific name for creeping St. John's wort, was discovered by Reverend George Wheeler in 1675 near Constantinople.

🌳 Creeping St. John's wort has a notable but not widely recognized ability to reveal the presence of certain heavy metals in soil. Scientific research indicates that creeping St. John's wort can hyperaccumulate metals such as copper and nickel, making it a possible bioindicator for these elements in contaminated areas. This application is still being researched but highlights the ecological potential of creeping St. John's wort beyond its horticultural uses.

🎭 Unwavering resilience, strength against fear or hostility

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

Creeping St. John's Wort is a hardy plant native to dry, rocky regions. Known for its drought tolerance, it thrives with minimal moisture and needs watering only every 2 to 3 weeks once established. This evergreen plant prefers well-draining soil and is often grown outdoors. While it can withstand dry conditions, consistent moisture helps maintain its vibrant foliage.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
FAQ
How should I water my Creeping St. John's wort plant?

You can water your Creeping St. John's wort with various watering tools, such as watering cans, hoses, or cups. It's important to water the soil directly and make sure all areas are evenly moistened to nourish the entire root system. Using filtered water is helpful because tap water may contain harmful particles. Additionally, using water at or slightly above room temperature is beneficial, as extremely hot or cold water may shock the plant. However, the Creeping St. John's wort generally responds well to any type of water.

What should I do if I give too much or too little water to my Creeping St. John's wort plant?

Outdoor plants, especially newly planted ones or seedlings, can suffer from lack of watering. To avoid this, make sure you water them consistently for a few months until they become established and can rely on rainwater. When it comes to Creeping St. John's wort in pots, overwatering is a common issue. If you accidentally overwater your plant, act quickly to resolve the problem. Stop watering it immediately and check the roots by removing it from the pot. If the roots are unaffected, you can return the plant to its container. However, if you find root rot, trim away the affected roots and consider applying a fungicide. Repot the plant in well-draining soil. On the other hand, if you underwater your Creeping St. John's wort and notice drooping or drying leaves, simply water it more frequently. Correct the watering frequency as soon as you notice underwatering to prevent further issues.

How frequently do I need to water my Creeping St. John's wort plant?

Here are some tips for watering your plants, particularly Creeping St. John's wort: - Most outdoor plants can rely on rainfall, but if your area doesn't get enough rain, you'll need to water them regularly. - In spring and fall, watering every 2 weeks should be sufficient. However, in the summer when growth is faster, you'll need to water more frequently. - During winter, when growth slows down and plants require less water, you can water sparingly or even not at all. - If you have a young or newly planted Creeping St. John's wort, it's important to water it more often to help it establish and become more drought tolerant. - For potted plants, there are two main approaches to determine watering frequency: a predetermined schedule or monitoring soil moisture. - If you opt for a schedule, water the plant once a week or once every other week. However, keep in mind that this may not account for the specific conditions of your plant's environment. - Alternatively, you can check the soil moisture and water when the top two to four inches have completely dried out, typically around one-third to half of the pot's depth. This method ensures you're not over or under-watering.

How much water should I give my Creeping St. John's wort plant?

When watering your Creeping St. John's wort, you may be surprised to learn that it doesn't always need a lot of water. If only a few inches of soil have dried since your last watering, you can give it about five to ten ounces of water. You can also determine how much water to give based on the moisture level of the soil. If more than half of the soil is dry, you should consider giving more water until you see excess water draining from the pot's holes. However, if your Creeping St. John's wort is outdoors and receives plenty of rain, it may not need additional watering. When it's young or establishing, aim for 1-2 inches of rain per week. As it grows, it can rely on rainwater alone, but if there is no rainfall for 2-3 weeks in hot weather, you should give it a full watering to prevent stress.

How can I know if I'm giving enough water to my Creeping St. John's wort plant?

The main issue that commonly affects the Creeping St. John's wort is overwatering. When this happens, there are several signs to be aware of. Typically, the plant will develop yellowing leaves and may even lose some leaves. Additionally, overwatering can cause the plant's structure to shrink and may lead to root rot. Conversely, if the Creeping St. John's wort is not receiving enough water, it will also start to droop. The leaves may become brown or brittle to the touch. Regardless of whether you notice signs of overwatering or underwatering, it is important to take action and restore the plant's health.

☀️ Light Full sun

Creeping St. John's wort flourishes best in locations that receive ample daylight. A moderate amount of sunlight can also support its vigorous growth. It has the ability to endure in spots with limited light, though this might restrain its progress. Originating from a setting with varied sunlight, intense exposure could be harmful, resulting in burned leaves. Likewise, limited sunlight could result in less blooming and a weaker overall constitution.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for Creeping St. John's Wort?

Creeping St. John's Wort requires different levels of sunlight depending on the condition. For full sun, it needs above 6 hours of sunlight, while partial sun or full shade conditions require about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's important to observe how sunlight moves through your garden and choose spots that provide a perfect balance of light and shade. This ensures that your plants are happy and healthy. Creeping St. John's Wort can survive in various sunlight exposures, but extreme sunlight may cause leaf scorching, and insufficient light can lead to sparse flowering and weaker health.

What are the artificial lighting requirements for indoor Creeping St. John's Wort?

Indoor Creeping St. John's Wort requires adequate artificial lighting when natural sunlight is insufficient, especially during winter or in less sunny spaces. LED lights are recommended because they can be customized to provide specific wavelengths of light needed by your plants. Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft of artificial light. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight, and most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.

What symptoms indicate light deficiency or overexposure in Creeping St. John's Wort?

Symptoms of light deficiency in Creeping St. John's Wort include smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, lighter-colored new leaves, and chlorosis. Overexposure symptoms include sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, leaf scorching, indicating damage from intense sunlight exposure. These symptoms reveal the plant's struggle to adapt to its lighting conditions, whether it's receiving too much or too little light.

How can you improve light conditions for Creeping St. John's Wort?

To improve light conditions for Creeping St. John's Wort, gradually move the plants to a sunnier location each week for both indoor and outdoor settings, allowing them to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. For indoor plants, use a south-facing window or artificial light if the plant is large. Outdoor plants should be moved carefully to prevent sunburn. Reducing obstructions by pruning can help outdoor plants receive more sunlight. For smaller plants, consider transplanting during the dormant period to a location with more sunlight and good drainage. Remember, parts of the plant that suffered from light deficiency may not recover, but new growth will be healthy after receiving more light.

🌡️ Temperature 5–35°C

Creeping St. John's wort naturally thrives in climates with temperatures that oscillate between 41 to 95 °F (5 to 35 ℃). To promote ideal growth, aim to uphold this temperature range. As the seasons change, adjust appropriately so as to avoid excessively high or low temperatures.

Ideal temperature: 5–35°C
FAQ
What is the ideal temperature range for Creeping St. John's wort?

Creeping St. John's wort thrives in environments where temperatures range from 41 to 95 °F (5 to 35 °C). To ensure optimal growth, maintaining this temperature range is essential. Adaptations may be necessary during seasonal changes to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. The plant displays strong cold resistance, so special frost protection measures are not usually required in winter. However, if temperatures are expected to drop below -30°C, it's important to wrap the trunk and branches with protective materials such as non-woven fabric or cloth. Additionally, watering the plant abundantly before the first autumn freeze helps retain soil moisture through the winter and early spring, preventing drought and water scarcity.

How does Creeping St. John's wort react to low temperatures, and what are the recommended solutions?

Creeping St. John's wort is cold-tolerant, preferring temperatures above 5°C during winter, and ideally remaining above -25°C. When temperatures fall below -30°C, the plant may not show immediate damage in winter, but come spring, its branches can become brittle and dry, with no new shoots emerging. The recommended solution for this condition is to prune away any dead branches in the spring that have failed to produce new leaves, aiding the plant in recovering and promoting new growth.

How does Creeping St. John's wort respond to high temperatures, and what should be done?

During the summer, it's important to keep the Creeping St. John's wort below 35°C. Exceeding 38°C can cause the plant's leaves to lighten in color, with tips becoming dry and withered, and increasing the risk of sunburn. To mitigate these effects, it's advisable to trim away the sunburned and dried parts, relocate the plant to a shadier area, or use a shade cloth to protect it from the harsh midday and afternoon sun. Also, watering the plant in the morning and evening helps keep the soil moist and supports the overall health of the plant.

💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 5-7
Soil pH: 5-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Fertilizing Creeping St. John's wort at the right times is vital. Begin fertilization in the early spring and continue it on a monthly basis until the start of summer. The addition of fertilizer aids in creating beautiful flowers and supplies energy during both dormant and active periods of growth.

FAQ
Why is it important to add fertilizer to my Creeping St. John's wort?

To help your Creeping St. John's wort thrive and bloom beautifully, fertilizing is essential. By fertilizing in early spring, you can ensure that your plant will produce excellent flowers during that season. Additionally, fertilizer provides your Creeping St. John's wort with the necessary energy to store in the ground during its dormant phases. Giving your plant some extra nutrients in the fall or late spring will help it store more energy for when it resumes active growth.

When should I give my Creeping St. John's wort plant fertilizer?

To ensure successful fertilization of Creeping St. John's wort, timing is vital. Applying fertilizer too early, while the plant is still dormant, will render it ineffective and easily washed away by rainwater, resulting in wastage and pollution. You should first apply fertilizer in early spring, and then continue monthly application until early summer.

When is it not a good time to fertilize my Creeping St. John's wort?

To ensure optimal blooming, it is important to avoid using fertilizer with high nitrogen levels on Creeping St. John's wort. Such fertilizers can cause the plant to produce an abundance of leaves but limited blooms. Instead, opt for fertilizers with lower nitrogen levels in comparison to other nutrients. Additionally, refrain from fertilizing the plant after early autumn, as this can result in excessive growth right before winter. It is also not recommended to fertilize Creeping St. John's wort during hot and dry times of the year, as dry soil does not effectively absorb fertilizers, and this can stimulate growth that requires extra water, which may not be readily available. It is best to apply fertilizer during cooler temperatures earlier in the season. Lastly, keep in mind that Creeping St. John's wort can absorb fertilizer from neighboring plants or lawns, so take care to avoid inadvertently giving the plant a double-dose of fertilizer.

What kind of fertilizer does my Creeping St. John's wort plant need?

For Creeping St. John's wort, the best fertilizer options are either balanced ones with slightly more phosphorus, or organic materials like compost, worm castings, or manure. Some experienced gardeners also add water-soluble fertilizers with phosphorus when the flower buds appear to enhance flower growth and longevity. Fertilizers can come in various forms, but liquid or powdered ones are recommended for Creeping St. John's wort. Whatever type you choose, make sure to dilute it and apply while watering the plant.

How should I add fertilizer to my Creeping St. John's wort?

To ensure proper fertilization for your Creeping St. John's wort, it's crucial to follow the specific fertilizer instructions and conduct research on its application. Avoid over-fertilizing by determining the correct amount needed. Generally, you can use the age of the tree or the diameter of the trunk as a guide. An estimate of one-tenth of a pound per year or per inch of trunk is recommended, with a maximum of one pound. Granular and organic fertilizers like blood meal can be sprinkled around the base of the tree, extending to the drip line (the space beneath the outermost branches). Be careful to keep the fertilizer from touching the trunk. Over time, the granules will break down and be absorbed into the soil through the roots. After fertilizing, spread a one-inch layer of compost around the base and thoroughly water the tree.

🪴 Pot & Repot Every 12 months
Suggested frequency: Every 12 months
✂️ Pruning

Creeping St. John's Wort displays bright yellow flowers and thrives when pruned in late spring after it blooms. To care for this plant, remove any dead stems and cut older stems down to ground level to encourage new growth. Annual trimming helps maintain its low, compact shape, improves blooming, and increases its resistance to pests and diseases.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Hypericum calycinum may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, especially when taken in large doses. Other side effects can include insomnia, anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, or sexual dysfunction.

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Hypericum
Family
Hypericaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-9
Mature Height
91 cm
Mature Spread
0.91 m to 2.13 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid summer
Native Area
Croatia, Bulgaria, Turkey

Tags (25)

Common Names (9)

en Aaronsbeard St. John’s Wort
en Rose-of-Sharon
en Aaron's-beard
en Gold flower
en Rose of Sharon
en Aaron's-beard St John's-wort
en Creeping St. John's-wort
en St Andrew's Cross
en Hypericum perforatum