More than 400 plants share the name St. John ’s wort ( Hypericum spp . ) . The common European St. John ’s wort ( Hypericum perforatum ) , which grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8 , can quickly overtake garden beds and circularise into the natural state . The more tame North American St.
Things Needed
More than 400 plant share the name St. John ’s wort ( Hypericum spp . ) . The common European St. John ’s wort ( Hypericum perforatum ) , which grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8 , can quickly whelm garden beds and spread into the wild . The more tamed North American St. John ’s wort ( Hypericum frondosum ) , which grow in USDA zones 5 through 8 , is better conduct in the garden . These varieties grow as short - lived perennial for four to five yr , but they command only minimal care during their brief lives .
Step 1
Plant St. John ’s wort in a layer that drains well to minimize the chances of root rot . Choose a location that receives full , all - day sun or partial good afternoon shade .
Step 2
blank space plant 18 to 24 inches apart and avoid plantingnew plantswithin the spread of the St. John ’s wort , peculiarly in humid climates . Allow blank between the plant for aura circulation , which prevents fungal folio disease on St. Johns wort .
Step 3
Water St. John ’s wort when the soil feels almost all dry . Supply enough to water to good break the soil 6 inches deep , and then allow for it to dry out again before the next lachrymation . St. John ’s wort is naturally drouth - tolerant and does n’t tolerate wet or miry soil .
Step 4
Cut out deadened or damage stanch from the plant life at any prison term , using shears wiped down and disinfect with isopropyl alcohol . Cut damage stem back to the nearest healthy wood . Trim off the the bloom before they wilt and jell come if you ’re worried about the plant becoming invasive . Dispose of the heyday and seeds readily so the plants do n’t invade the garden .
Step 5
Pick caterpillars from St. John ’s wort plants by hand if they are stripping too many of the plants ' leave . Butterfly caterpillars usually only cause minor damage and do n’t require controller .
Step 6
Pull up and put down any plants that develop mushy , decayed stems and root , which are unremarkably because of dirt nematodes . establish new plants in a different garden bottom to avoid exposure to the nematodes in the old land site .
Step 7
disseminate a 2 - inch layer of mulch over the seam in fall after the plants die back if your area have wintertime freeze . Cut back the plant to the ground in late winter if cold kills off the top growth . St. John ’s Wort usually grows back in spring and flowers on the new wood .
Tip
St. John ’s wort does n’t need fertilizer to grow well , although you could work compost into the soil to provide touch nutrient before planting .
Warning
Avoid planting any invasive coinage in your yard .
References
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