Overview

Erysimum 'Hector Harrison' is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Erysimum, part of the Brassicaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Erysimum 'Hector Harrison' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.

About

Erysimum 'Hector Harrison' is a well-branched, evergreen wallflower in the cabbage family (Brassicaceae) that flowers from April to September. It prefers full sun and free-draining soils on alkaline or neutral ground. Suitable for south-, west- or east-facing sites, it tolerates both exposed and sheltered positions. Use it in containers, city courtyards, cottage borders and wildlife-friendly beds.

About the genus

Erysimum, or wallflower, is a genus of flowering plants in the cabbage family, Brassicaceae. It includes more than 150 species, both popular garden plants and many wild forms. Erysimum is characterised by star-shaped trichomes growing from the stem, with yellow, red, pink or orange flowers and multiseeded seed pods.

Wikipedia contributors, "Erysimum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Erysimum

In the garden

Erysimum 'Hector Harrison' belongs to the Brassicaceae and sits with other wallflowers valued for long spring and summer bloom. As a cultivar with evergreen foliage and a compact, well-branched shape, it is often used where persistent leaves are wanted alongside a prolonged flowering season. Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil — chalk, loam or sand suit it best and it prefers neutral to alkaline pH. South-, west- or east-facing aspects give reliable results; the plant handles both exposed and sheltered positions. It is rated H4 (average) for UK hardiness, so it will withstand normal winter conditions in most gardens without special protection. Place Erysimum 'Hector Harrison' in patio pots, containers or at the front of borders where its evergreen structure and long bloom time sit close to eye level. It also fits cottage and informal schemes and works in urban courtyards and wildlife gardens where well-drained alkaline pockets are available. Expect a flowering run from April to September, which extends colour through spring into late summer in borders and containers.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Erysimum

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Erysimum 'Hector Harrison' size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Erysimum 'Hector Harrison'

Propagation

Semi-ripe cuttings

Pest resistance

Slugs, Snails, Flea beetles

Disease resistance

Downy mildews, Club root, Bacterial leaf blight

Frequently asked questions