About
Erysimum cheiri, the common wallflower, is a well-loved biennial or short-lived perennial to around 60 cm with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and dense, erect racemes of intensely fragrant, four-petalled flowers in shades of yellow, orange, red and brown from mid-spring to early summer. One of the most fragrant of all spring flowers, traditionally planted with tulips in formal spring bedding schemes.
About the genus
Erysimum, the wallflowers, are annuals, biennials and perennials with narrow leaves and dense, upright racemes of four-petalled, sweetly fragrant flowers in shades of yellow, orange, red, purple, pink and white. Among the most popular of spring-flowering plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a sunny position in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
PruningTrim after flowering to prevent plants becoming leggy
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in spring or summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, cabbage root fly and flea beetles
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, club root, leaf spot, root rot and virus diseases