Overview
Erysimum kelveticum is a bushy, columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Erysimum, part of the Brassicaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Erysimum kelveticum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Erysimum kelveticum is a herbaceous perennial cultivar within the Erysimum genus, known for its bushy, columnar upright habit and evergreen foliage. This plant thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing aspects and is suited to a range of soil types including chalk, loam, and sand, provided the soil is well-drained and neutral to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, patios, containers, and wildlife-friendly spaces. The cultivar is best grown in fertile, moist soil and can be propagated by softwood cuttings in spring or summer, with interest lasting through summer and autumn.
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
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Erysimum kelveticum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Erysimum kelveticum
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in spring or summer
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Cabbage root fly, Flea beetles
- Disease resistance
- Downy mildews, Club root, Leaf spot, Root rot, Virus diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Erysimum kelveticum?
Erysimum kelveticum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Erysimum kelveticum need?
Erysimum kelveticum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Erysimum kelveticum hardy in the UK?
Erysimum kelveticum has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Erysimum kelveticum?
Softwood cuttings in spring or summer.
More in the Erysimum genus
- Erysimum capitatum
- Erysimum hungaricum
- Erysimum 'Sweet Sorbet'
- Erysimum WallArt Citric ('Doerywaci') (WallArt Series)