About
This short-lived, evergreen perennial to about 50cm, usually grown as a biennial. Woody-based stems are clothed in narrow, dark green leaves and topped in mid- to late spring with clusters of scented flowers in mixed colours of cream, gold, orange, dark red and purple.
About the genus
Erysimum can be annuals, biennials or woody-based perennials with narrow leaves and dense racemes of often fragrant, 4-petalled flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Bedding
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in a seed bed from late spring to early summer, transplanting to flowering positions in mid-autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and flea beetles
Disease resistanceSusceptible to a range of diseases including club root, downy mildews, leaf spot, root rot and a virus