Origin
Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz ssp. multicaule (Michx. ex Willd.) Robson, commonly known as St. Andrew's-cross, is a native plant of the southeastern United States. It can be found in various habitats such as swamps, forests, and wetlands.
Common Names
The plant has several common names including St. Andrew's-cross, small St. Andrew's-cross, forked St. John's-wort, and southern St. John's-wort.
Uses
The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments including wounds, burns, and fever. The leaves and stems are known to be rich in flavonoids and other chemical compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
General Appearance
St. Andrew's-cross is a small shrub that grows up to 3 feet tall. The leaves are opposite, entire, and ovate to lanceolate in shape, with a length of 1-2 inches. The stem is square-shaped and has a reddish-brown color. The flowers are yellow and have a distinctive cross shape made from four petals. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Light Requirements
Hypericum hypericoides ssp. multicaule thrives in full sunlight, but it can tolerate partial shade. If grown in shade, the plant may produce fewer flowers, have less attractive foliage, and grow leggy.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is typically found in warm climates and prefers temperatures that range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate freezing temperatures during winter dormancy, but it may suffer damage if exposed to extended periods of subzero temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Hypericum hypericoides ssp. multicaule prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can grow in a variety of soil textures such as sandy, rocky, or loamy soils, but it typically thrives in soils that have a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
The plant can tolerate brief periods of drought, but it requires periodic moisture to maintain its beauty. It's important to note that waterlogged soils can result in the plant's death, so well-draining soils are essential.
Cultivation Methods of Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz ssp. multicaule (Michx. ex Willd.) Robson
Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz ssp. multicaule (Michx. ex Willd.) Robson is a hardy herbaceous plant that grows well in both full sun and partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0 and can tolerate a wide range of soil types from sandy to clayey soils. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings, and should be planted at a depth of 1-2 inches.
Watering Needs of Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz ssp. multicaule (Michx. ex Willd.) Robson
The plant requires moderate watering, with the soil being kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to wilt and lose foliage. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid evaporation and ensure maximum absorption by the plant.
Fertilization of Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz ssp. multicaule (Michx. ex Willd.) Robson
Fertilization should be done sparingly, with a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer being applied in the early spring and again in mid-summer. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth and a decrease in flowering. The plant can also benefit from the addition of organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to the soil to improve soil fertility.
Pruning of Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz ssp. multicaule (Michx. ex Willd.) Robson
Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. The plant responds well to pruning and can be cut back to one-third of its size to encourage new growth and blooming. Dead or damaged branches should be removed regularly to improve the overall health and appearance of the plant.
Propagation of Hypericum Hypericoides
Hypericum hypericoides is commonly known as the St. Andrew's cross or the Aaron's-beard. If you are interested in propagating this plant, there are several methods you can try!
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is an effective way of propagating Hypericum hypericoides. The best time to harvest the seeds is when the fruit ripens. You should remove the seeds from the fruit and plant them in a well-draining, moist soil medium. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them in a warm, humid location. Germination should occur within a few weeks.
Propagation by Root Cuttings
Another effective method of propagating Hypericum hypericoides is by root cuttings. To propagate the plant by root cuttings, you should take a stem with roots attached and cut it into smaller sections. Each section should have one or two root nodes. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining, moist soil medium and keep them in a shady location. Roots should develop within a few weeks. After that point, you can transplant the cuttings to a more permanent location.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is another method that you can use to propagate Hypericum hypericoides. To propagate the plant by division, you should dig up the parent plant and divide the root system into several smaller sections. You should ensure that each section has a healthy root system and several stems. Plant the divisions in individual pots or in their desired location. Provide adequate water and sunlight to ensure that the divisions establish themselves properly.
Disease Management
Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz ssp. multicaule (Michx. ex Willd.) Robson is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. One common disease in this plant is leaf spot caused by a fungus called Phyllosticta hypericorum. Symptoms of this disease include circular tan lesions on the leaves, and can be controlled by removing infected leaves and spraying with fungicides containing copper or chlorothalonil.
Another disease that can affect Hypericum hypericoides is powdery mildew caused by the fungus Erysiphe hypericaceae. This disease appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant, and can be treated with fungicides containing myclobutanil or sulfur. Proper plant spacing and maintaining good airflow can also help prevent the spread of this disease.
Pest Management
Several pests can cause damage to Hypericum hypericoides, including spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause discoloration and premature leaf drop. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Regularly washing the plant with a strong stream of water can also help reduce spider mite populations.
Aphids and whiteflies are other common pests that can suck sap from the plant and cause leaf yellowing and distortion. They can be treated with insecticides containing imidacloprid or thiamethoxam. Alternatively, beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced in the garden to feed on these pests.
Preventive measures like proper plant spacing, regular pruning, and good sanitation practices can also help prevent disease and pest infestations in Hypericum hypericoides. Additionally, using disease-resistant varieties and providing suitable growing conditions can also help minimize the risk of plant damage and ensure its healthy growth.
