Hypericum tetrapetalum
fourpetal St. johnswort
Overview
Hypericum tetrapetalum is a small semi-evergreen shrub reaching 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) tall and 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) wide, forming a rounded clump of wiry, two-winged stems that turn reddish-brown and exfoliate with age. Leaves are sessile and clasp the stem in opposite pairs, broadly ovate to triangular, 0.3-0.8 inch (8-20 mm) long, and marked with translucent glandular dots visible against light. Flowers measure 0.5-0.8 inch (12-20 mm) across and carry four yellow petals rather than the five borne by most Hypericum spp. species, surrounding a dense central tuft of stamens. Bloom extends from late spring through fall. The fruit is a dry conical capsule about 0.2 inch (5 mm) long that persists into winter. This species grows in seasonally wet pine flatwoods, cypress pond margins, and bog edges, and withstands short periods of standing water. It needs consistently moist to wet, acidic soil and declines in dry ground, which restricts its use in conventional dry borders. Foliage stays evergreen in the warmest parts of the range and partially drops during hard winters.
Native Range
Hypericum tetrapetalum is native to the southeastern United States, chiefly Florida, southern Georgia, and the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains, with additional populations in Cuba. It grows in wetland habitats such as pine flatwoods, cypress pond margins, and bog edges.Suggested Uses
Planted in rain gardens, pond and bog margins, and naturalized wetland plantings within its hardiness range. It holds soil on consistently moist sites where many shrubs fail. Spaced 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart in massed plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from late spring through fall, peaking across the summer months. Individual flowers open for about a day, and plants produce them in succession over an extended period. In the warmest parts of the range, scattered flowers can appear nearly year-round.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
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
Grow in full sun to partial shade in consistently moist to wet, acidic soil. This species withstands seasonal flooding and saturated ground that many shrubs cannot tolerate. Sandy or peaty soils that hold moisture support steady growth, while prolonged drought causes dieback. Supplemental fertilizer is rarely needed in its native wetland soils. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-10 and sustains damage from hard freezes near the northern limit of its range. Pests and diseases are uncommon on plants grown in suitable wet sites.Pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring before new growth emerges. Cut back dead or damaged stems and shape as needed; the plant resprouts readily from hard renewal cuts. Because flowers form on new growth, spring pruning does not reduce that season''s bloom.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons