About

A short-lived, evergreen perennial to 50cm, normally grown as a biennial. The richly-aromatic flowers open in mid spring, starting lemon yellow and ageing to primrose.

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, Herbaceous Perennial, Bedding
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, 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