Hypericum androsaemum aka Tutsan

Taxonomy

Hypericum androsaemum, also known as Tutsan, Shrubby St. John's Wort, or sweet-amber, is a deciduous and attractive perennial shrub that can reach up to 3 feet (90 cm) in height. It is native to open woods and hillsides in Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia, and belongs to the Hypericaceae (St. John's Wort) family. Tutsan is an easy-to-grow plant that prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for a border, hedge, or mixed shrub border. It has clusters of star-shaped yellow flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer and attractive red-tinted foliage that turns vibrant shades of red and yellow in autumn. Tutsan is a relatively rare houseplant that needs regular watering and long-lasting direct light. It should be less than 1 foot from a window and likes soil that is well-draining. Repotting each time it doubles in size should eliminate the need for added fertilizers.

Common names

Tutsan, St. Johns Wort, Sweet Amber

How to care for Tutsan

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Tutsan is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Tutsan should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Tutsan loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Tutsan requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Tutsan will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Tutsan plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Tutsan is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Tutsan’s native range is Western and southern Europe, including Britain, south and east to Algeria, W. Asia and the Caucasus.


More info:
Wikipedia