Hypericum richeri
Hypericum richeri · Hypericaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around hypericum richeri and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Richer's St. John's Wort
- Family
- Hypericaceae
- Type
- Deciduous shrub
- Mature height
- 0.5 to 1.5 m
- Flowering
- July to September
- Flowers
- Yellow, in corymbs
- Hardiness
- Down to -15 °C
- Origin
- Alps and Pyrenees
Care
Sunlight
Choose a sunny or partially shaded location to promote good flowering. St. John's Wort tolerates bright spots well and produces fewer flowers in dense shade. A south or west-facing exposure is ideal.
Watering
Water moderately, especially during spring and summer growth. Once established, this shrub is relatively drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering during prolonged heat.
Soil
Richer's St. John's Wort prefers well-drained, light and poor soil. Avoid heavy and waterlogged soils. A mixture of potting soil and sand works perfectly in containers.
Pruning
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy shape. In late winter, cut back frost-damaged or overly long branches. This shrub handles pruning well and regrows vigorously.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring to support growth. St. John's Wort is not very demanding: moderate fertilization is sufficient, especially in poor soil.
Diseases and pests
Generally hardy and healthy, St. John's Wort can occasionally be affected by rust or scale insects in warm, humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and regular hygiene to prevent problems.
Did you know?
The genus Hypericum has a long history of popular veneration: in the Middle Ages, St. John's Wort was considered a magical plant in Europe, often hung above doorways to ward off evil spirits. Its Latin name itself, "Hypericum," comes from Greek and literally means "above a religious icon." Hypericum richeri, less well-known than its cousins, shares this mysterious herbal reputation.
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
- Kalm's St. John's-wortHypericum kalmianum
- Hypericum dummeriHypericum dummeri
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.