Hypericum, Genus, monogynum, Species,
- Genus & species
Chinese St John's wort
Central and southern China and Taiwan
Overview
Hypericum monogynum is a semi-evergreen shrub in the St John's wort family (Hypericaceae), 2–4 feet (0.6–1.2 m) tall and 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) wide, with a rounded, arching habit. Stems are reddish-brown, slender, and four-angled when young. Leaves are opposite, oblong to lance-shaped, 1–4 inches (3–10 cm) long, blue-green above and paler beneath, with translucent oil dots visible when held to light. Flowers are golden-yellow, 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) wide, with five rounded petals and a dense cluster of stamens in five bundles that extend beyond the petals; the five styles are joined into one column. Flowers are borne singly or in terminal clusters of up to 15. Fruits are ovoid capsules 0.4–0.6 inch (1–1.5 cm) long. Growth is 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) per year. Stems die back after temperatures drop below 10°F (−12°C) and regrow from the base. Leaf spot and rust occur in humid summers.
Native Range
Hypericum monogynum is native to central and southern China and Taiwan, where it grows on hillsides, in thickets, and along streams and roadsides at elevations of 300–4,300 feet (100–1,300 m).Suggested Uses
Used in mixed borders, foundation plantings, and informal hedges, spaced 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) apart. Plants are used as low flowering shrubs on slopes and under tall trees, where they tolerate light shade.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Bloom Information
Flowers open from June to August on current-season growth, with each flower lasting 1–2 days and new buds opening over 8–10 weeks. The pollen-rich flowers lack nectar and are visited by bees and hoverflies.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Blue-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade in well-drained loam or sandy soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Hardy in USDA zones 7–9 and root-hardy in zone 6, where stems die to the ground in winter and regrow from the base. Plants receive 1 inch (25 mm) of water per week during the first year, and established plants tolerate short dry periods. Plants receiving fewer than 4 hours of direct sun flower less. Rust and leaf spot occur in humid summers, and plants in wet, poorly drained soil develop root rot.Pruning
Stems are cut back to 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) above the ground in late winter, because flowers form on current-season growth. Dead stems are removed at the base, and one-third of the oldest stems are cut out each year on plants grown as a hedge.Pruning Schedule
Prune: February–March
early spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
