Hypericum perforatum L.
Hypericum perforatum L. is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Hypericaceae. It is commonly known as St. John's wort and has a long history of medicinal use.
Origin
The plant is native to Europe, but it has been introduced to many other parts of the world and is now found on all continents except Antarctica. It is commonly found growing in meadows, fields, and along roadsides.
Common Names
Hypericum perforatum L. is known by various common names. In addition to St. John's wort, it is also called Klamath weed, goatweed, Tipton's weed, and Rosin rose.
Uses
The plant has a long history of medicinal use, mainly for its antidepressant properties. Its active compounds, hypericin and hyperforin, are believed to increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are involved in the regulation of mood. In addition to its antidepressant effects, St. John's wort has also been traditionally used to treat wounds, burns, and nerve pain.
Beyond its medicinal uses, Hypericum perforatum L. has also found its way into the world of cosmetics. Its oil extracts are used in various skin care products to treat acne, scars, and inflammation.
General Appearance
The plant is herbaceous and grows up to 1 meter tall. The leaves are oval-shaped and arranged opposite each other on the stem. The flowers, which bloom in mid-summer, are yellow and have five petals. When the plant is crushed, it releases a reddish-purple substance that gives it the name Rosin rose. The plant is easy to recognize due to its characteristic flowers and dark green leaves with small translucent dots that appear perforated when held up to the light.
Overall, Hypericum perforatum L. is a fascinating and useful plant that has captured the attention and admiration of many for centuries.
Light Requirements
Hypericum perforatum L. commonly known as St. John’s Wort prefers to grow in full sunlight or partial shade. It thrives well on dry, rocky soils or fields found in meadows, pastures, and on the roadside. It occasionally grows in disturbed sites such as abandoned fields and transported soils, including sandy sites.
Temperature Requirements
St. John’s Wort, a perennial herb, can survive in a diverse range of temperatures from -15 to 40 degrees Celsius. However, this plant seems to prefer warmer climates and generally grows at optimal temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. Young plants can grow at temperatures as low as 4 degrees Celsius with moderate growth rates, while older plants show resilient winter survival rates.
Soil Requirements
Hypericum perforatum L. prefers to grow in well-draining soils. It grows well in different soil types, including clay, silt, sand, and loamy soil. However, the plant grows best in nutrient-rich soils that are slightly acidic (pH range between 5.5-7.5). It is tolerant of drought, indicating that it can adapt to different moisture levels, but the plant grows best where there is average rainfall.
Cultivation methods
Hypericum perforatum L., commonly known as St. John's Wort, can be grown in various soil types with good drainage and high fertility. It prefers a sunny location but can also tolerate partial shade. The plant can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden bed in spring, while cuttings can be taken from the stem during the growing season. It is recommended to plant the cuttings in a pot of soil mixture or compost and place it in a cool but bright area.
Watering needs
St. John's Wort prefers moist soil, and it is recommended to water the plant weekly, especially during dry periods. However, care should be taken not to overwater as the plant does not tolerate stagnant water. It is advisable to water the plant during the morning or evening hours to prevent water evaporation.
Fertilization
St. John's Wort does not require frequent fertilization. A dose of well-composted manure or organic fertiliser during planting is adequate. Additional fertilization can be done at the beginning of the growing season with balanced fertilisers, which should be watered in.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the growth and health of the plant. It should be done in early spring when the new growth appears or towards the end of autumn after flowering. The pruning process involves removing dead, diseased, or damaged stems, shaping and thinning the plant to improve air circulation and allow sunlight penetration. The plant should be pruned to within 10cm of the ground level to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Hypericum perforatum L.
Hypericum perforatum L., also known as St. John's wort, can be propagated through seeds or vegetative means.
Propagation through Seeds:
The easiest method of propagating Hypericum perforatum L. is through seeds. The plant produces numerous seeds, which can be collected in late summer or early fall. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix in the fall or early spring. They should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination, which can take up to three weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted to individual containers or directly into the ground.
Propagation through Vegetative Means:
Hypericum perforatum L. can also be propagated through vegetative means such as stem cuttings or root division.
Stem cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer from new growth that has not yet flowered. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should be taken from the tip of the stem. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and cover the container with plastic to maintain humidity. Place the container in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight. The cuttings should root in about four weeks.
Root division can be done in the fall or early spring. Gently dig up the plant and separate the root clumps into smaller sections. Replant the sections in well-draining soil mix, making sure each section has at least one shoot. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light until the plant is established.
Regardless of the propagation method used, Hypericum perforatum L. prefers well-draining, fertile soil and bright, indirect light.
Disease Management
Hypericum perforatum L. can be affected by several fungal diseases, including powdery mildew, rust, and botrytis blight. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, and rust appears as dry orange or brown spots. Botrytis blight causes gray mold on the flowers and stems. To manage these diseases, it is essential to keep the plant dry by avoiding overhead watering and providing good air circulation.
In case of severe infection, it is recommended to use fungicides. Neem oil, copper-based fungicides are the organic ways of managing these diseases. Apply them, following the instructions on the fungicide package.
Pest Management
The main pests that affect Hypericum perforatum L. are aphids, spider mites, and leaf beetles. Aphids and spider mites attack the leaves, sucking the sap causing them to wilt and yellow. Leaf beetles can cause severe defoliation of the plant.
To manage these pests, it is necessary to identify them as early as possible. The use of insecticidal soap and neem oil is effective for controlling aphids and spider mites. For leaf beetles, hand-picking is the best option. It is recommended to check the underside of the leaves regularly to prevent the infestation of spider mites.
Additionally, introducing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can also provide an excellent control interaction and prevent insects from causing extensive destruction to the plants.
