Overview of Hypericum hypericoides var. multicaule:
Hypericum hypericoides var. multicaule, also known as St. Andrew's cross or Multibranched St. John's-wort, is a herbaceous perennial plant species that belongs to the family Hypericaceae. It is native to the eastern United States, specifically from Virginia to Florida and as far west as Texas.
Common Names:
Hypericum hypericoides var. multicaule is commonly called St. Andrew's cross due to its unique cross-shaped leaves. It is also known by other common names such as Multibranched St. John's-wort, Small St. Andrew's-cross, and Gulf St. John's-wort.
Appearance:
The plant typically grows to be 15-60 cm tall and can spread up to 45 cm wide. It has numerous thin, woody stems that branch out at the base and are reddish-brown in color. The leaves are opposite, lance-shaped, and often have a noticeable pigment gland at the base of each small leaf blade which is why it is called the St. Andrew's cross. It has showy, bright yellow flowers that bloom in the summer and early fall and can grow up to 2.5 cm in diameter. The plant's root system consists of small, fibrous roots that are capable of spreading underground.
Uses:
Hypericum hypericoides var. multicaule is known for its medicinal properties, and its leaves and flowers are commonly used to make teas and tinctures to treat minor illnesses and depression. It is also used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and bright flowers. The plant is often grown in gardens and natural landscapes as a form of groundcover or border plant. St. Andrew's cross is also known to attract various species of bees and butterflies with its vibrant flowers.
Growth Conditions for Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz var. multicaule (Michx. ex Willd.) Fosberg
Light: Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz var. multicaule (Michx. ex Willd.) Fosberg requires full sunlight or partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as profusely.
Temperature: This species is native to eastern North America and is adapted to a wide range of temperatures. It can survive in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9, which indicates a minimum temperature range of -34°C to -6°C (-30°F to 20°F). During the growing season, temperatures between 18°C to 28°C (65°F to 82°F) are optimal for growth.
Soil: Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz var. multicaule (Michx. ex Willd.) Fosberg prefers well-drained, moist soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, consistently wet soils can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Water: This plant prefers moist soil conditions but can tolerate periods of drought. Water should be applied when the soil is dry to the touch, but avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer: Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz var. multicaule (Michx. ex Willd.) Fosberg does not generally need fertilizer, as it can obtain the necessary nutrients from the soil. However, if growth is lacking, a balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated from division or stem cuttings taken in the summer. Seeds can also be sown in the fall or early spring.
Cultivation Methods
Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz var. multicaule (Michx. ex Willd.) Fosberg is a hardy plant that grows well in fertile, well-draining soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant grows best in full sun to partial shade, making it an ideal addition to mixed borders, rock gardens, and slopes. Sow the seeds in spring or fall, about 1/8 inch deep in the soil.
Watering Needs
Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz var. multicaule (Michx. ex Willd.) Fosberg requires moderate watering, sufficient to keep the soil slightly moist, but not waterlogged. It tolerates drought but prefers regular watering. Young plants need more frequent watering than established plants. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant in spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Use a granular fertilizer and sprinkle it on the soil around the plant base, following the instructions on the packaging for the recommended application rate. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning
Prune Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz var. multicaule (Michx. ex Willd.) Fosberg in late winter or early spring to promote a healthy bushy shape and encourage flowering. Cut back about a third of the plant's oldest stems to ground level, and prune the remaining stems to about a third of their length. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth and more flower buds. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote more flowering.
Propagation of Hypericum hypericoides var. multicaule
Hypericum hypericoides var. multicaule, commonly known as St. Andrew's cross, is a deciduous shrub that is native to southeastern and central United States. The plant is generally propagated from seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation from Seeds
The seeds of Hypericum hypericoides var. multicaule are sowed in autumn, after the plant has finished flowering. The seeds can be sowed directly in the ground or in seed trays, filled with a good quality potting mix. The seeds sown directly in the ground should be covered with a thin layer of soil, while the seeds sown in seed trays should be covered with a thin layer of vermiculite or sand.
The seed trays should be kept in a warm and moist environment until the seedlings emerge. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be kept in a well-lit location, but not in direct sunlight. The seedlings should be watered regularly and the potting mix should be kept moist. When the seedlings have grown to a height of 2-3 inches, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation from Stem Cuttings
Hypericum hypericoides var. multicaule can also be propagated from stem cuttings taken from the plant during late spring or early summer. The stem cuttings should be approximately 3-4 inches long and should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. The cuttings should be taken from the tip of the plant and should include at least two nodes.
The lower leaves of the stem cuttings should be removed and the stem should be dusted with a rooting hormone powder. The stem should then be planted in a good quality potting mix and should be watered thoroughly. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag or a plastic dome to maintain high humidity and the stem cutting should be kept in a warm, well-lit location but not in direct sunlight.
After a few weeks, the stem cutting should have developed roots and new growth. The plastic bag or dome should be gradually removed to allow the plant to adjust to lower humidity. Once the plant has grown to a height of 2-3 inches, it can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz var. multicaule (Michx. ex Willd.) Fosberg, commonly known as St. Andrew’s cross, is generally disease-resistant, but some diseases can affect its growth and health.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes irregularly shaped black or brown lesions or spots on leaves and stems. It can also cause stem cankers, which may lead to dieback. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Ensure that the plant has adequate air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage when watering. Fungicides containing azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil, or thiophanate-methyl can also be used to control the disease.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves, which can enlarge and merge, leading to defoliation. To prevent leaf spot, avoid overhead watering and water the plants at the base instead. Remove infected plant parts and apply a fungicide with chlorothalonil or mancozeb.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes yellow or orange powdery spots on the leaves. These spots can also appear on the stems, flowers, and fruit. Rust thrives in humid conditions, so avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation. Remove infected plant parts and apply a fungicide containing myclobutanil, triadimefon, or tebuconazole.
Pest Management
Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz var. multicaule (Michx. ex Willd.) Fosberg may also be affected by some pests, which can cause damage to the plant and reduce its growth and quality.
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing the plant to wilt and distort. They also excrete a sweet, sticky liquid called honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage aphids, wash the plant with a strong jet of water or apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies, which can defoliate the plant and stunt its growth. Handpick the caterpillars and dispose of them or apply a biological insecticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis
Spider mites: Spider mites are very small arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and speckling of the leaves. They thrive in dry conditions, so keep the plants well-watered and mist them regularly. Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to manage spider mites.
Proper cultural practices such as regular inspection and monitoring, good drainage, and proper fertilization can help reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests in Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz var. multicaule (Michx. ex Willd.) Fosberg.
