St. John's wort (Hypericum monogynum)
Care, watering, light and tips for 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 St. John's wort
Hypericum monogynum, commonly known as Millepertuis monogyne, is a small to medium-sized deciduous shrub valued for its attractive, bright yellow flowers with prominent stamens that bloom in late spring and summer. Its leaves are a rich green, adding a fine texture to the garden. It is ideal for borders, mass plantings, or as an understory plant in naturalistic or cottage gardens.
Native range
East Asia
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving in well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral soils. Watering should be regular during dry periods, especially in its first year, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged. It tolerates some drought once established. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can promote foliage growth at the expense of flowering.
How to save a dying St. John's wort
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown, wilted leaves, premature leaf and flower drop.
- First aid
- Move to partial shade, check drainage, and water moderately if soil is dry.
- What kills it
- Excessive direct sun and extreme dryness; or prolonged waterlogging.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. It's quite resilient.