Trailing St. John's wort (Hypericum humifusum)

Trailing St. John's wort

Trailing St. John's wort is a common plant within the U.K. The genus name comes from the Greek words meaning "above" and "picture." This is because people once hung the plant above pictures because they believed it would ward off evil spirits. The common name dates back to religious rituals for the Feast of St. John the Baptist in summer which corresponded with the time these plants peaked and bloomed.

Scientific classification

Species

Trailing St. John's wort (Hypericum humifusum)

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Bloom Time

3 cm to 25 cm

Plant Height

10 cm to 20 cm

Spread

1 cm

Flower Size

Yellow

Flower Color

Images of Trailing St. John's wort

Distribution of Trailing St. John's wort

Distribution Map

Trailing St. John's wort is a plant species primarily native to the temperate regions of Europe and the northern margins of Africa. It has been introduced to parts of South America, Asia, and Oceania, where it has adapted to local climates and can be found in the wild.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Heaths, dry banks, bare land at the edge of tracks, light woodland

Care Guide for Trailing St. John's wort

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Trailing St. John's wort thrives in moderate humidity and prefers evenly moist soil, needing weekly watering to maintain vigor. While tolerant of temporary dry spells, adjustments should be made according to seasonal rainfall patterns for optimal health, especially when grown outdoors.

Fertilize: For optimal growth of trailing St. John's wort, apply balanced fertilizer monthly in spring and summer, and reduce to every 6-8 weeks during dormancy. Use half the strength to avoid nutrient excess, and always water before fertilizing. Monitor for over-fertilization signs like salt buildup or leaf burn.

Pruning: Trailing St. John's wort is a low-growing perennial with yellow flowers. Prune in early to late spring to promote healthy growth and air circulation. Remove dead stems and trim long branches for a tidy appearance. Regular pruning encourages vigorous flowering and minimizes disease risk.

Propagation: Trailing St. John's wort is a perennial herb with a spreading habit and bright yellow flowers. For propagation, cut healthy, non-flowering stems with leaves, use rooting hormone, and plant in well-drained soil. Maintain moisture until roots establish, efficiently expanding your trailing St. John's wort collection.

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Images of Trailing St. John's wort

Distribution of Trailing St. John's wort

Care Guide for Trailing St. John's wort

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