Description
Hypericum tubulosum Walt. var. walteri (J.G. Gmel.) Lott, is a perennial plant with woody stems that grows up to 1 meter tall. It belongs to the Hypericaceae family and is also commonly known as Walter's St. John's Wort or Squarestem St. John's Wort. This plant is native to North America and can be found in the Southeastern United States, from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas.
General Appearance
Walter's St. John's Wort plant has square stems that are woody at the base, but become herbaceous as they rise. The leaves are opposite, oval-shaped, and can reach up to 4cm long. The plant blooms from June to August, producing bright yellow 5-petaled flowers with stamens that are tipped with purple.
Uses
Walter's St. John's Wort is often used for medicinal purposes, particularly to treat mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. The plant contains hypericin and hyperforin, both of which are believed to have mild antidepressant effects. It is important to note that this plant should not be used as a replacement for prescription medication without consulting a healthcare professional.
Aside from its medicinal properties, the plant is also used as an ornamental in gardens and serves as a nectar source for bees and other pollinators.
Light Requirements
The Hypericum tubulosum Walt. var. walteri (J.G. Gmel.) Lott prefers to grow in an area with partial to full sunlight. It can tolerate some shade but its growth may be limited compared to those grown in areas with more sunlight. Direct sunlight exposure for long periods of time may cause leaf burn or discoloration. Ideally, it should receive at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Hypericum tubulosum Walt. var. walteri (J.G. Gmel.) Lott growth is between 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C). It can tolerate lower temperatures, however, its growth may slow down. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage or kill the plant. On the other hand, temperatures exceeding 86°F (30°C) may cause wilting or stress.
Soil Requirements
Hypericum tubulosum Walt. var. walteri (J.G. Gmel.) Lott prefers well-draining, moist soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is important to make sure the soil is not waterlogged as it may cause root rot, which can be fatal for the plant. The soil should be slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, with a pH level between 6.0 to 7.5. Adding organic matter to the soil can help improve its fertility and moisture retention.
Cultivation methods
The Hypericum tubulosum Walt. var. walteri (J.G. Gmel.) Lott, also known as Walter's St. John's Wort, can be grown in regions with a hot and humid climate. They prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH level.
During the early stages, it is recommended to propagate the plant using stem cuts. These cuttings can be planted in individual pots or directly in the ground. The ideal planting time is during early spring.
Watering needs
Walter's St. John's Wort requires moderate watering. The frequency of watering will depend on the weather conditions and the type of soil. It is best to allow the soil to dry out partially before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant's health.
Fertilization
To encourage optimal growth and healthy blooms, it is recommended to fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or a 20-20-20 fertilizer, during the growing season. Fertilize the plant once a month from early spring until late summer.
Pruning
Hypericum tubulosum Walt. var. walteri (J.G. Gmel.) Lott is a shrub that can grow up to six feet tall. To maintain its size and shape, it is recommended to prune the plant in late winter or early spring. Remove any dead or diseased branches and trim back the plant by approximately one-third of its overall size.
Propagation of Hypericum Tubulosum Walt. var. Walteri (J.G. Gmel.) Lott
Hypericum tubulosum Walt. var. walteri (J.G. Gmel.) Lott, commonly known as Walter’s St. John’s Wort, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Hypericaceae. Propagation of this plant can be achieved by two major methods: seeds and vegetative propagation.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds are the primary method of propagation for Hypericum tubulosum Walt. var. walteri (J.G. Gmel.) Lott. The seeds should be collected from mature plants and sown in a well-drained nursery bed or a seed tray filled with a mixture of sand and peat moss. The planting medium should be kept moist and placed in a shaded area until the seeds germinate.
After germination, the seedlings should be carefully transplanted into individual containers filled with a well-balanced potting mix. They should be kept in a shaded area for a few weeks until they establish their root systems. Once they develop healthy roots, the plants can be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is a reliable method of propagating Hypericum tubulosum Walt. var. walteri (J.G. Gmel.) Lott. The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or division.
To propagate through stem-cuttings, select a healthy plant and take 4-6 inch long stem cuttings from the plant. Remove any lower leaves and root the stem cutting in a rooting hormone powder. The rooting hormone powder should be applied to the lower inch of the cutting and then inserted into a container of well-drained soil. Provide the cutting with humidity by placing a clear plastic bag over the plant and keep it in a shaded area until roots develop.
To propagate through division, select a mature plant and carefully dig it up. Divide the root system into smaller sections ensuring each section has healthy roots. Replant the divisions in well-drained soil with adequate spacing between each plant.
Propagation by division generates immediate results as the established roots help the plant to grow faster. Stem cuttings can take a while to develop roots, but are reliable and ensure the same genetic traits as the mother plant.
Disease Management
Hypericum tubulosum Walt. var. walteri (J.G. Gmel.) Lott is generally considered a disease-resistant plant due to its high levels of hypericin, a natural compound found in the St. John’s wort herb. However, there are still a few common diseases that may affect this plant, such as:
- Leaf Spots: These are caused by fungi such as Cercospora, Septoria, and Phyllosticta. The fungi typically infect older leaves, causing circular or irregular-shaped spots with yellow or brown borders. To prevent this disease, remove infected leaves and debris, avoid overhead watering, and sanitize tools after use.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum and appears as a white, powdery coating on upper leaf surfaces. To prevent powdery mildew, provide good air circulation, water early in the day, and avoid overhead watering.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungal pathogens such as Pythium and Phytophthora, which attack the roots of the plant. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of the foliage, and stunted growth. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering, provide good drainage, and plant in well-draining soil.
Pest Management
Hypericum tubulosum Walt. var. walteri (J.G. Gmel.) Lott is also relatively resistant to pests, but there are a few that may occasionally cause problems:
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests suck sap from leaves and cause yellow or grey stippling. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water, using insecticidal soap, or releasing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
- Aphids: These soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause distorted growth and yellowing of leaves. They can be controlled by releasing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings, or by using insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: The larvae of moths such as the Hypericum flower moth (Agonopterix pulvipennella) feed on the foliage of the plant and can cause significant damage. They can be controlled by handpicking or using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
