Contents
Description
Hypericum Hidcoteense Hidcote, commonly known as Hidcote St. John’s Wort, is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Hypericaceae family. It is native to Europe and can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that bloom from June to August, and it has dark green foliage that turns reddish in the fall. Hidcote St. John’s Wort is a popular garden plant due to its attractive appearance and medicinal properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Hypericaceae |
| Genus | Hypericum |
Appearance
Hidcote St. John’s Wort has a bushy growth habit and can reach a height of 3 feet. Its dark green foliage is evergreen and can turn reddish in the fall. The leaves are oblong, about 1 inch long, and have small translucent dots on them. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that are about 1 inch across and have five petals. The flowers bloom from June to August and are followed by seed capsules that turn brown in the fall.
Care Guide
Hidcote St. John’s Wort prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It is drought-tolerant, but it needs regular watering during the first year of planting. The plant requires regular fertilization during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Hidcote St. John’s Wort is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hidcote St. John’s Wort is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to rust and powdery mildew. These diseases can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Aphids and spider mites can also infest the plant, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Hidcote St. John’s Wort is native to Europe and can be found growing in meadows, hedgerows, and woodlands. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Hidcote St. John’s Wort deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Hidcote St. John’s Wort is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Hidcote St. John’s Wort be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Hidcote St. John’s Wort can be grown in containers, but it requires regular watering and fertilization.
Q: Is Hidcote St. John’s Wort toxic?
A: Yes, Hidcote St. John’s Wort is toxic if ingested by humans and animals, and it can cause skin irritation.
Q: How often should I prune Hidcote St. John’s Wort?
A: Hidcote St. John’s Wort should be pruned in the spring to remove any dead or damaged branches, and to maintain its shape.
Related Plants
- Hypericum calycinum
- Hypericum perforatum
- Hypericum kalmianum
- Hypericum frondosum
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Hypericum hidcoteense ‘Hidcote’. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277114&isprofile=0&basic=hypericum%20hidcoteense
- RHS. (n.d.). Hypericum hidcoteense ‘Hidcote’. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/17768/Hypericum-hidcoteense-Hidcote/Details
- University of Vermont Extension. (n.d.). Hypericum hidcoteense ‘Hidcote’. Retrieved from https://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/pubs/hidcote.htm
