Perforate St John's-wort (Hypericum perfoliatum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Perforate 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 Perforate St John's-wort
Hypericum perfoliatum, also known as Perforate St John's Wort, is a perennial herbaceous plant or subshrub belonging to the Hypericaceae family, characterized by its distinctive perforated leaves and bright yellow flowers. It's an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, or as ground cover, adding a wild and luminous touch to any landscape. Its stems can reach up to 60 cm in height, adorned with abundant five-petaled flowers that attract pollinators.
Native range
Mediterranean region (Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Near East)
Care tips
It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, though it tolerates a variety of substrates. Watering should be moderate, allowing the topsoil to dry out between waterings, and it's quite drought-tolerant once established. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot; it's also important to lightly prune after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage new blooms.
How to save a dying Perforate St John's-wort
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or browning, wilting leaves, flower drop. Soft or blackened stems.
- First aid
- Check watering (avoid over/under). Place in partial shade. Prune damaged stems. Repot if needed.
- What kills it
- Overwatering leading to root rot or lack of light. Also prolonged drought.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly and there's no extensive root or main stem damage.