Hypericaceae
Shrubby St. John's Wort: Medicinal Uses & Care Tips
Hypericum prolificum
An extremely hardy and adaptable shrub that thrives best in full sun and well-drained soil.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
-30° - 35°C
30% - 70%
Categories
What is Shrubby St. John's Wort?
Shrubby St. John's Wort (Hypericum prolificum) is a easy-care plant from the Hypericaceae family. Hypericum prolificum is a densely branched, rounded deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. In summer, it produces an abundance of bright yellow flowers with numerous stamens that act as a magnet for bees and butterflies. The bark of older branches characteristically peels, providing visual...
Shrubby St. John's Wort grows up to 1.5m, spread of 150cm, watering every 7 days, -30°C – 35°C, 30–70% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Shrubby St. John's Wort tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Shrubby St. John's Wort?
TLDR: Shrubby St. John's Wort needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between -30-35°C with 30-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Shrubby St. John's Wort?
Established plants are highly drought-tolerant, but they benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells.
How Much Light Does Shrubby St. John's Wort Need?
It produces the most prolific blooms in full sun but also tolerates light partial shade well.
What Is the Best Soil for Shrubby St. John's Wort?
It thrives in any well-drained soil, whether sandy, clay, or rocky.
What Pot Should You Use for Shrubby St. John's Wort?
Primarily recommended for garden planting, though it can be grown in large containers.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 180 days
What Is Shrubby St. John's Wort and Where Does It Come From?
Hypericum prolificum is a densely branched, rounded deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. In summer, it produces an abundance of bright yellow flowers with numerous stamens that act as a magnet for bees and butterflies. The bark of older branches characteristically peels, providing visual interest even in winter.
How to Propagate Shrubby St. John's Wort?
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Keep cuttings in a shaded area until they have rooted.
- Ensure the medium does not dry out completely.
- 1 Taking Cuttings
Cut 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) healthy sections from the current year's growth.
- 2 Preparation
Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone.
- 3 Planting
Place the cuttings in a moist, sandy potting medium and maintain a humid environment.
Materials needed:
Seed Sowing
- Do not cover the seeds deeply with soil.
- Natural winter cold stratification is the simplest method.
- 1 Seed Collection
Collect the brown, mature seed pods in the fall.
- 2 Stratification
Seeds require a period of cold to germinate; keeping them in a cool place over winter is effective.
- 3 Sowing
Sow the seeds on the soil surface in spring, as they require light to germinate.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Shrubby St. John's Wort Grow?
TLDR: Shrubby St. John's Wort can reach up to 1.5m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.5m
Spread
1.5m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Used in traditional folk medicine as a skin-soothing agent
- Extracts with mild anti-inflammatory properties can be prepared from it
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
In folklore, St. John's Wort species are associated with light and protection.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Chilean Cacti | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Peppermint | Easy | Bright indirect | 3d | ⚠️ |
