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Herbaceous Perennial

Hypericum tetrapterum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

square-stalked St John's wort

An erect perennial to 70cm tall, with square stems, winged at the corners. In late summer to early autumn it produces domed clusters of yellow flowers to 1cm across. A British native wildflower common on damp grassland

Other common names
hard hay
spotted St John's wort
see moreSt Peter's wort
Synonyms
Hypericum quadrangulum L.

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Hypericaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Hypericum can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or trees, evergreen or deciduous, with usually paired leaves and showy yellow flowers with prominent stamens, followed by capsules, occasionally berry-like

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe, SW Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any poor to moderately fertile soil that does not dry out

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust and honey fungus (rarely)

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