Creeping St. John's wort (Hypericum calycinum)

Also known as: Resurrection plant, Rose-of-Sharon, Great St-John's wort, Creeping Aron's Beard

The low, creeping, woody shrub commonly found on steep European slopes is the creeping St. John's wort (Hypericum calycinum). Its common name has biblical origins, though it has been used historically for various species. This specific plant may not be identical to the St. John's wort referenced in biblical texts.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Creeping St. John's wort

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1 m

Spread

1 m to 2 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

3 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Images of Creeping St. John's wort

Quickly Identify Creeping St. John's wort

Distinctive bright yellow flowers with 5 petals and 5 sepals.

Leaves measuring 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) long.

Fruit as small, three to five-celled capsules with sometimes fleshy texture.

Stems with 2 to 4 ridges on newer growth, becoming smooth with age.

Procumbent and ascending stems with a four-angled appearance.

Scientific Classification of Creeping St. John's wort

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Malpighiales

Family

St. John's wort

Genus

St. John's worts

Species

Creeping St. John's wort

Planting and Growing of Creeping St. John's wort

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Creeping St. John's wort?

For Hypericum calycinum, the goal is to moisten the soil without creating a soggy environment. Each watering session should aim for approximately 500 ml. The soil should feel damp but not remain wet for long periods. This ensures the plant gets the moisture it needs without the risk of root rot.

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More About Watering Techniques→

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Creeping St. John's wort?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Hypericum calycinum thrives best in partial to full sun conditions. Ideal lighting not only supports abundant blooming but also strengthens the plant, reducing disease vulnerability and enhancing its decorative appeal.

What is the ideal sunlight exposure for Hypericum calycinum? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Creeping St. John's wort?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Hypericum calycinum thrives best in a temperature range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This range allows for optimal photosynthesis and overall plant health, ensuring vibrant growth and flowering.

What Soil is Best for Creeping St. John's wort?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Hypericum calycinum thrives in soil that offers excellent drainage. Well-draining soil ensures that the roots of the plant do not sit in water, which prevents root rot and promotes healthy growth. The plant prefers soil with moderate fertility. This means that while it needs some nutrients, it can tolerate less-than-perfect soil conditions, making it adaptable to different garden settings. A balanced texture in the soil, such as that found in loam, ensures that the plant has adequate air circulation and retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Creeping St. John's wort?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Hypericum calycinum, known as Rose of Sharon, using a balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer is ideal. Apply two tablespoons of liquid fertilizer diluted in one gallon of water evenly across the root zone, ensuring even distribution without over-saturating. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Creeping St. John's wort?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Before you start pruning Hypericum calycinum, examine the plant for any dead or diseased wood, which should be removed promptly. This prevents potential infestations or diseases from spreading to healthy areas of the plant and focuses the plant's energy on productive growth. Be cautious not to prune heavily immediately after flowering; Hypericum calycinum blooms on old wood, so cutting back too much at the wrong time can reduce next season’s flowers. Always time heavy pruning for early spring, right before new growth starts. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Creeping St. John's wort plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Late spring, Early summer

Choose a healthy and mature Hypericum calycinum plant as the source for cuttings or division. Ensure the plant is free of pests and diseases, as this will improve the likelihood of successful propagation.

Using sharp pruning shears, take 4-6 inch cuttings from new growth. Remove any flowers or flower buds to help the cuttings focus on root development rather than flowering.

For cuttings, dip the ends in rooting hormone and plant them into a well-draining soil mix. For divisions, ensure each division has roots and is planted at the same depth it was growing in previously.

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How to Repot Creeping St. John's wort plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

For Hypericum calycinum, repotting signals include roots protruding from the drainage holes, visibly stunted growth, or when the soil loses its ability to retain moisture effectively. These signs typically appear after the plant has spent about 2 to 3 years in the same pot.

Choose a pot with ample drainage holes, slightly larger than the current one to allow root expansion. A pot that's too large might hold excess moisture, leading to root rot. The right size ensures growth while preventing waterlogged soil.

Select a well-draining loamy soil mixture to ensure adequate air circulation around the roots. This type of soil provides essential nutrients while preventing water retention issues, which are critical for Hypericum calycinum's health.

Toxicity of Creeping St. John's wort

Is Creeping St. John's wort toxic to humans?

Creeping St. John's wort presents a moderate toxicity risk to humans, mainly due to the presence of hypericin in its sap. Exposure to the sap can trigger allergic reactions, while consuming the plant may lead to more serious symptoms. Although the toxic components of creeping St. John's wort are generally not ingested, accidental consumption can still happen. Poisoning symptoms associated with creeping St. John's wort may encompass gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea and vomiting, and skin irritations or heightened sensitivity to light upon contact. It is crucial for individuals to handle creeping St. John's wort cautiously to prevent unintentional exposure to the sap, which acts as the primary means of the plant's toxic effects.

Is Creeping St. John's wort toxic to cat?

Creeping St. John's wort presents a moderate toxicity risk to cats. This exposure can happen if cats either come into contact with the plant or accidentally consume it. The main toxic component responsible for the adverse effects is hypericin, which is present in the plant's sap. After exposure to creeping St. John's wort, cats may experience physical distress or discomfort. If poisoning occurs, it is vital to promptly seek veterinary care to manage the cat's symptoms and avert further health issues.

Is Creeping St. John's wort toxic to dog?

Creeping St. John's wort presents a moderate toxicity threat to dogs. Canines can experience poisoning from creeping St. John's wort either through skin exposure to the plant sap or by accidental ingestion. Signs of poisoning in dogs may include gastrointestinal disturbances, such as vomiting and diarrhea, along with possible skin irritation or photosensitivity caused by the hypericin found in the plant's sap. If you believe your dog has come into contact with or ingested creeping St. John's wort, it is essential to seek prompt veterinary attention to assure appropriate treatment and management of symptoms.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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