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 AmberHow 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
To ensure optimal growth, the Tutsan prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
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
More Species in Hypericum Genus
Hypericum tetrapetalum Fourpetal St. Johnswort
Hypericum xylosteifolium Turkish Tutsan
Hypericum nummularium Round Leaved St John's Wort
Hypericum tomentosum Woolly St John's Wort
Hypericum ellipticum Pale St. Johnswort
Hypericum sampsonii
Hypericum canariense Canary Island St. John's Wort
Hypericum balearicum Majorca St John's Wort
Hypericum bellum
