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Description
Hypericum Lalandii, commonly known as Laland’s St. John’s Wort, is a flowering evergreen shrub that belongs to the Hypericaceae family. The plant is native to South Africa and grows up to 1.5 m tall. It has woody stems and oval-shaped leaves that are green on the upper surface and pale green on the underneath. The shrub produces bright yellow flowers that bloom in summer and early autumn, and it’s a popular garden plant due to its long flowering period.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Hypericaceae |
| Genus | Hypericum |
| Species | Lalandii |
Appearance
Hypericum Lalandii is an evergreen shrub with a dense, upright growth habit. The plant grows up to 1.5 m tall and 1 m wide and has woody stems that are brownish-red in color. The leaves are oval-shaped, about 3 cm long, and have a glossy appearance. The upper surface of the leaves is green, while the undersides are pale green. The shrub produces bright yellow, saucer-shaped flowers that are about 3 cm wide and bloom in summer and early autumn. The flowers have numerous stamens and are followed by small, brown, capsule-like fruits.
Care Guide
Hypericum Lalandii is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you care for your Hypericum Lalandii:Water: Water your plant regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather.Fertilization: Fertilize your plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Plant your Hypericum Lalandii in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Plant your Hypericum Lalandii in full sun or partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Hypericum Lalandii is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hypericum Lalandii is generally a pest and disease-free plant. However, it can occasionally suffer from rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. These diseases can be treated with a fungicide spray. The shrub can also attract spider mites and scale insects, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Hypericum Lalandii is native to South Africa, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes, open woodlands, and grasslands. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Hypericum Lalandii a good plant for a beginner gardener?
A: Yes, Hypericum Lalandii is a hardy plant that requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.Q: Can Hypericum Lalandii be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Hypericum Lalandii can be grown in a container as long as it has enough space for the roots to grow and is planted in well-draining soil.Q: Can Hypericum Lalandii be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Hypericum Lalandii can be propagated from cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.Q: How often should I prune my Hypericum Lalandii?
A: Prune your Hypericum Lalandii in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants that are related to Hypericum Lalandii:
- Hypericum Androsaemum
- Hypericum Perforatum
- Hypericum Hircinum
- Hypericum Calycinum
References
- “Hypericum Lalandii.” PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute, www.plantzafrica.com/plantgh/hyperlaland.htm.
- “Hypericum Lalandii.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h520.
- “Hypericum Lalandii (St. John’s Wort).” Gardenia.net, www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/hypericum-lalandii-st-johns-wort.
