Erysimum
Wallflower, Perennial wallflower
Also known as Cheiranthus
- Height × spread
- 0.15m – 0.75m × 0.2m – 45m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Generally available in Winter, Spring & Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
These are primarily grown for their spring interest. Among its various forms, perhaps the best known is the ubiquitous wallflower, often sold in bare rooted bunches in the autumn. These produce their delightfully fragrant flowers in the spring in cheery tones of orange, yellow and red. The other forms are the short lived perennials that make chunky, free-flowering plants that live for several years. The best known is the grey foliaged, purple flowered 'Bowles's Mauve', but there are many other varieties in a great range of colours and many have heads of dual coloured blooms. Recent introductions include forms with variegated foliage where the foliage interest substantially competes with the floral merit. All these plants need sunshine and well drained soil, thrive in dry conditions, look good in containers, and suit a frontal position in the garden.
- Flower colour
- Copper, Cream, Lavender, Lilac, Mauve, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Rose, Violet, White, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Blue, Green, Grey, Purple, Red, White, Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell, Cube, Dome, Round
- Height
- 0.15m – 0.75m
- Spread
- 0.2m – 45m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Scented garden, Rock garden, Mediterranean garden, Gravel garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Bedding plant, Coloured stems, Bee attraction, Butterfly attraction
- Maintenance
- Some varieties are easycare (low/no maintenance)
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.
Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.
Planting & general
Planting
Trim the plant
Trim the plant once it has finished flowering to keep it looking tidy.
Planting
Deadhead blooms during flowering season
Remove flowers as they turn brown and fade. Snip the stem just below the bloom. This will keep the plant tidy and encourage more flowers.
The removal of spent flowers encourages the plant to produce fresh ones, rather than spend its energy on the development of seeds.
Compost · Planting
Multi-purpose compost
Use a good quality peat-free multi-purpose compost when growing in pots and containers.
Found in
More Erysimum
Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve'
Bowles's wallflower, Bowles's erysimum, Perennial wallflower
Erysimum 'Canaries Yellow'
Wallflower, Perennial wallflower
Erysimum 'Rysi Copper'
Wallflower, Perennial wallflower
Erysimum 'Winter Joy'
Wallflower, Perennial wallflower
Erysimum 'Winter Orchid'
Wallflower, Perennial wallflower
Erysimum 'Winter Party'
Wallflower, Perennial wallflower
Erysimum Walberton's Fragrant Star = 'Walfrastar'
Wallflower, Perennial wallflower
Erysimum linifolia 'Variegatum'
Alpine erysimum, Alpine wallflower