Hypericum canariense
Care, watering, light and tips for Hypericum canariense on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Hypericaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Hypericum canariense
Hypericum canariense, also known as Canary Islands St. John's Wort, is a perennial shrub native to the Canary Islands. It is characterized by its attractive lanceolate leaves and bright yellow flowers that appear in summer, forming a dense, rounded mass. It's an excellent choice for low hedges, borders, or as a standalone plant in Mediterranean or coastal gardens, adding a vibrant splash of color.
Native range
Canary Islands
Care tips
It requires full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering and vigorous growth. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out slightly between waterings, and more frequent in summer. It prefers well-drained, even poor soils, and tolerates drought once established. A common mistake is overwatering in winter, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Hypericum canariense
- Warning signs
- Yellowish/brown, wilted leaves; premature flower/bud drop. Soft or rotten stem base.
- First aid
- Check drainage, remove affected leaves. Repot if substrate is compacted. Prune dry branches.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage, causing root rot. Also lack of light or extreme drought.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot isn't too advanced or cause is reversible. Act quickly.