How to Grow Hypericum Hidcote - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Hypericum hidcote is a plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the Hypericaceae family and is a perennial herb. The plant has dark green leaves and yellow flowers. The flowers have five petals and are about 2.5 centimeters in diameter. The plant blooms from June to August.

How to Grow Hypericum Hidcote - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Hypericum Hidcote
  • St. John's Wort
  • Aaron's Beard
  • Rose of Sharon
  • Goat's Beard

Good to Know

  • Hypericum hidcote is a herbaceous, evergreen shrub.
  • It is native to eastern North America.
  • It is named after British horticulturist Lawrence Johnston.
  • The plant was introduced to the UK in the early 20th century.
  • It is a member of theHypericaceae family.
  • The leaves are opposite, ovate-oblong and 2-3 cm long.
  • The flowers are yellow, 3-5 cm across and have five petals.
  • The flowers are borne in clusters at the ends of the stems.
  • The fruit is a capsule, containing numerous small seeds.
  • The plant is grown as an ornamental in gardens and parks.

Related plant:
Hypericum Moserianum

How to Grow

  1. For hypericum hidcote, first step is to choose the right growing location. It should be in full sun to partial shade.
  2. The soil should be well-drained, sandy or loamy.
  3. Add some organic matter to the soil before planting.
  4. It is best to plant hypericum hidcote in the spring.
  5. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  6. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
  7. Water the plant well.
  8. Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to help with water retention.
  9. Prune the plant in late winter to early spring.
  10. Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, Hypericum Hidcote is adaptable to a wide range of pH levels and soil types, but it grows best in moist, well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It is also tolerant of drought and salt.

About light

So, like the other plants, the Hypericum Hidcote needs sunlight to grow. The amount of sunlight required depends on the climate. In general, this plant prefers full sun to partial shade. However, in hot climates, it may need some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from scorching.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for Hypericum Hidcote is a cool climate. This plant is native to Europe and Asia, and it is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. It prefers full sun to partial shade, and it will tolerate a wide range of soil types as long as the soil is well-drained. Hypericum Hidcote is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to a height of 3 to 5 feet and a width of 4 to 6 feet. It has dark green leaves that are 2 to 4 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. The leaves are oppositely arranged on the stems, and they have serrated margins. The stems are covered with small, yellow flowers that bloom in late summer. The fruit is a small, black capsule that contains numerous seeds.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. The plant does best in partial sun to full sun, but it can tolerate some shade. The plant is drought tolerant and does not need a lot of water once it is established.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant is not very demanding and they will do well in most types of soil as long as it is well-drained. However, they will benefit from being fertilized in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Be sure to water the plant after fertilizing. When it comes to the roots of hypericum hidcote, they are not very deep, so be careful not to overwater.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your Hypericum Hidcote is essential to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy shape. You can prune at any time of year, but late winter or early spring is best. Cut back any straggly or overgrown stems to just above a pair of healthy buds. If the plant is looking very overgrown, you can cut back up to one-third of the total length of the stems.

The Propagation

Propagation : Hypericum can be easily propagated from stem cuttings taken in spring or summer. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, new growth and be about 4-6 inches long. Cuttings should be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until roots have developed.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is fast, vigorous, and somewhat uneven. If you want a plant that will give you a showy display quickly, this is the one for you. This shrub can grow up to 3 feet in one season.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot, rust, and mildew. Root rot can be caused by too much water or poorly drained soils. Rust can be a problem if the plant is not getting enough water. Mildew can be a problem if the plant is not getting enough sunlight.

Tips on Growing

  • Remember to give your hypericum hidcote plant plenty of space to grow. It can reach up to 5 metres in height and spread, so make sure you give it room to roam.
  • Plant hypericum hidcote in a sunny spot in your garden. It tolerates partial shade but will flower best in full sun.
  • Prepare the soil before planting by digging in some well-rotted manure or compost. This will help the plant to establish well.
  • Water your plant well during the first growing season to help it to become established. Once established, it is quite drought tolerant.
  • Feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season.
  • To encourage bushier growth, you can pinch out the tips of the stems in early summer.
  • To keep your plant tidy and compact, you can give it a light prune after flowering has finished.
  • Keep an

Substitution

  • Hypericum hirsutum
  • Hypericum hirsutum (hairy St. John's wort, hairy bush hypericum, hairy Johnswort or highway-star) is a perennial plant in the genus Hypericum found across Europe from Spain to Belarus, as well as in temperate parts of Asia and becoming naturalized in denser bushland in Australia & E. Africa.
  • Hypericum × inodorum
  • Hypericum × inodorum (St. John's wort or sweet amber) is a hybrid of H. perforatum & H. patulum found to have originated in either the U.S.A. or in Europe.
  • Hypericum hookerianum
  • Hypericum hookerianum, commonly known as the Hooker's St. John's wort, is a flowering plant found in New Zealand's South Island.
  • Hypericum humifusum
  • Hypericum hum

Source:
Essential oil composition of Hypericum ‘Hidcote’ - Academia.edu
Hypericum | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Hypericum | Horticulture 131 - Pennsylvania State University

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Herbs Category