Egyptian Saint John's Wort
Hypericum aegypticum · Hypericaceae
📷 peganum · CC BY-SA 2.0
⚠️ Millepertuis : peut induire une phototoxicité cutanée. Contact de la sève avec la peau en soleil intense = brûlures, dermatites.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant egyptian saint john's wort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Hypericaceae
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Mature height
- 40 cm
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- June to August, yellow flowers
- Hardiness
- Moderate (Mediterranean climate)
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and Middle East
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Hypericum aegypticum thrives in full sun and well-drained, poor to average soil. Once established, it needs little watering.
The common mistake
Overloading the soil with fertilizer or watering generously: it grows but flowers very little.
The pro's trick
Sow fresh seeds in autumn on very well-drained seed compost, with light cold stratification: faster germination and more robust plants.
Care
Exposure
Egyptian St. John's Wort thrives in full sun, where it displays its most generous blooming. Place it in a location receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In very hot climates, a light afternoon shade can prevent excessive leaf drying.
Watering
A very water-thrifty plant, Egyptian St. John's Wort prefers dry conditions once established. Water moderately at planting time and during the growing period, then space out waterings. In summer, let the soil dry between waterings; drastically reduce watering in winter.
Soil and planting
Well-draining soil, even poor or rocky, suits it perfectly. Avoid areas of water accumulation that promote root rot. Adding sand or gravel improves the soil's natural drainage.
Pruning and maintenance
Light pruning in spring helps maintain a compact form and stimulates branching. Remove damaged or old stems after winter. This plant doesn't require severe pruning to remain attractive.
Fertilization
Egyptian St. John's Wort tolerates poor soils and requires only minimal fertilizing. A balanced fertilizer application in spring is sufficient; excess nitrogen may promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pests and diseases
Generally hardy against pests, it may suffer from root rot in overly moist conditions. Ensure good drainage and air circulation. In continental climates, severe winters can damage the foliage; provide light protection in cold regions.
Did you know?
The Hypericum genus, to which Egyptian St. John's Wort belongs, has traversed the centuries wrapped in legend: called "St. John's Herb" in Europe, it was once hung on doors to ward off evil spirits during St. John's Day. This modest plant harbors hyperycin, a pigment that colors the petals and was historically reputed to possess symbolic virtues before any scientific analysis.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Rose of sharonHypericum calycinum
- Tall tutsanHypericum inodorum
- Hooker's St. JohnswortHypericum hookerianum
- Kalm's St. John's-wortHypericum kalmianum
- Moser's St. John's wortHypericum moserianum
- Hypericum dummeriHypericum dummeri
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.