Tutsan
Hypericum androsaemum · Hypericaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around tutsan and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on climate
- Flowering
- June to August, golden-yellow flowers
- Fruits
- Red berries turning black in autumn
- Adult size
- 1 to 1.5 m in height and width
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Down to approximately -15 °C
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and Asia Minor
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerates poor soils
Care
Watering
Water regularly after planting to encourage root establishment. Once established, hypericum tolerates drought well and only needs watering during prolonged heat or extreme drought. Avoid excess moisture, especially in winter.
Sunlight
Plant your hypericum in full sun or partial shade. It develops best with at least a few hours of direct sunlight per day. In very hot regions, light afternoon shade can prevent leaf desiccation.
Soil and Drainage
Well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot. Hypericum adapts to poor, chalky or acidic soils. Improve heavy soil with sand or coarse compost when planting.
Pruning
Prune your hypericum lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape. More severe pruning in spring can be done if the shrub becomes too dense. Remove dead or damaged wood as needed.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is generally not necessary on well-constituted soil. You can add balanced compost in spring if the soil is very poor. Avoid over-fertilizing, which would promote growth at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and Pests
Hypericum is generally robust. Excess moisture can cause leaf fungi or root rot. Ensure good air circulation and adequate drainage. Pests are rare on this species.
Did you know?
Hypericum bears a name evoking Greek mythology: "andros" (man) and "haema" (blood), hence the meaning of "blood of man". Its striking red berries fueled popular beliefs. In the past, this plant was renowned for its healing properties and was used in traditional medicine, particularly in medieval European herbalism.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Rose of sharonHypericum calycinum
- Tall tutsanHypericum inodorum
- Egyptian Saint John's WortHypericum aegypticum
- Hooker's St. JohnswortHypericum hookerianum
- Moser's St. John's wortHypericum moserianum
- Kalm's St. John's-wortHypericum kalmianum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.