Troubleshooting
Olympic St. John's Wort problems — and how to fix them
Olympic St. John's Wort (Hypericum olympicum) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Root rot in wet winter soil
The most common failure in UK and Pacific Northwest gardens. Excellent drainage is essential year-round but especially in winter. Plant on a slope, in a raised bed, or in a container that can be moved under cover during prolonged wet, cold spells.
Leggy or floppy habit
Rich soil and insufficient light cause lax, sprawling stems that lose the attractive compact shape. Cut back hard to woody growth in early spring to encourage dense, floriferous new growth. Site only in full sun with lean soil.
Rust (Melampsora hypericorum)
Orange-pustule rust can appear on leaf undersides during warm, moist summers. Improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, and remove affected leaves promptly. Severe infections weaken the plant and reduce flowering.
Prevent olympic st. john's wort problems before they start
Most olympic st. john's wort issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Olympic St. John's Wort problems — FAQ
Why is my olympic st. john's wort root rot in wet winter soil?
The most common failure in UK and Pacific Northwest gardens. Excellent drainage is essential year-round but especially in winter. Plant on a slope, in a raised bed, or in a container that can be moved under cover during prolonged wet, cold spells.
Why is my olympic st. john's wort leggy or floppy habit?
Rich soil and insufficient light cause lax, sprawling stems that lose the attractive compact shape. Cut back hard to woody growth in early spring to encourage dense, floriferous new growth. Site only in full sun with lean soil.
Why is my olympic st. john's wort rust (melampsora hypericorum)?
Orange-pustule rust can appear on leaf undersides during warm, moist summers. Improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, and remove affected leaves promptly. Severe infections weaken the plant and reduce flowering.