Hypericum elodes
Hypericum elodes · Hypericaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant hypericum elodes: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- July to September, golden-yellow flowers
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Hardy, down to -15 °C
- Origin
- Western and central Europe, wetland areas
- Soil type
- Acidic to neutral, moist and well-draining
- Habit
- Herbaceous, bushy
Care
Watering
Marsh St. John's Wort requires constantly moist soil without being waterlogged. Water regularly during dry periods, especially in summer. In naturally marshy soil or at the edge of a pond, watering can be reduced. Maintain consistent moisture to avoid any water stress.
Light
Place this plant in full sun to partial shade. It flowers abundantly with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In very hot climates, partial shade protects the foliage and extends flowering. It tolerates slightly shaded locations well.
Soil and planting
Prefer an acidic to neutral substrate, rich in organic matter and well-draining. Moist, peaty or marshy soils suit it perfectly. Improve overly compact soils with compost or peat. The plant thrives at the edge of ponds or in areas of regular moisture.
Pruning and cutting
Perform light pruning in spring (April-May) to remove dead or frost-damaged stems. You can cut back the plant by half to encourage branching. Regularly remove faded flowers to extend flowering until the first frosts.
Fertilizing
Moderate fertilizing is sufficient. Enrich the soil with well-decomposed compost in spring. Avoid excess nitrogen which encourages foliage at the expense of flowering. On poor soils, a light annual application is more than enough.
Diseases and pests
Marsh St. John's Wort is generally robust and not very susceptible to pests. Watch for rust in prolonged humid conditions. Good drainage and adequate air circulation prevent most fungal problems. Vigorous plants in suitable situations remain healthy without intervention.
Did you know?
The Hypericum genus has long been associated with magical and protective virtues in medieval Europe: it was hung above doorways to ward off evil spirits. The marsh St. John's Wort, less famous than its terrestrial cousins but equally charming, thrives precisely in the damp areas where fairies were believed to love to take refuge.
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
- Egyptian Saint John's WortHypericum aegypticum
- Hooker's St. JohnswortHypericum hookerianum
- Moser's St. John's wortHypericum moserianum
- Hypericum dummeriHypericum dummeri
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.