Mount Olympus St John's wort (Hypericum olympicum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Mount Olympus 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 Mount Olympus St John's wort
Hypericum olympicum, also known as Mount Olympus St. John's Wort, is a low-growing perennial shrub forming dense, attractive mounds. Its reddish stems and bluish-green elliptical leaves are adorned with large, bright yellow flowers featuring prominent stamens in summer. It is ideal for rockeries, path edges, or as ground cover in Mediterranean or dry gardens.
Native range
Mountains of Greece and Turkey.
Care tips
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, even poor or rocky ones, as it is very drought-tolerant once established. Water moderately during prolonged dry spells, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Light pruning after flowering helps maintain its compact shape and encourages more abundant blooms the following year. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it thrives in low-nutrient conditions.
How to save a dying Mount Olympus St John's wort
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or reddish leaves, drooping, soft stems. Could be overwatering or lack of light.
- First aid
- Check drainage and remove damaged leaves/stems. If potted, consider replanting in well-drained soil.
- What kills it
- Constant waterlogging. It needs very well-drained soil and moderate watering. Does not tolerate dense shade.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. It's quite resilient if conditions are corrected.