Canary Islands St John's wort (Hypericum grandifolium)
Care, watering, light and tips for Canary Islands St John's wort 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 Canary Islands St John's wort
Hypericum grandifolium, also known as Large-leaved St. John's Wort, is a robust, branched evergreen shrub native to the Canary Islands. It is notable for its large, bright yellow flowers, up to 5 cm in diameter, which appear from spring to summer, and its dark green, oval leaves. It is an excellent choice for Mediterranean gardens, low hedges, or as a standalone specimen, adding a touch of color and vibrancy.
Native range
Canary Islands
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade exposure, tolerating drought well once established. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings, and it's crucial to avoid waterlogging, especially in winter. It adapts to a wide variety of soils, as long as they are well-drained; a universal potting mix with perlite is ideal. A common mistake is excessive or late pruning, which can reduce the following year's flowering.
How to save a dying Canary Islands St John's wort
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or browning leaves dropping, soft stems, lack of flowering. May show reddish spots from fungi if humidity is high.
- First aid
- Check drainage and substrate moisture. If potted, consider repotting to one with good drainage. Prune dry or diseased branches.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and lack of direct sun. Hypericum needs good light and well-draining soil.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. Good drainage, adequate sun exposure, and moderate watering usually revive it.