About
A large and diverse genus of robust, often towering biennials or perennials from temperate Eurasia and western Asia with large, pinnately divided or deeply lobed leaves and large, flat-topped umbels of small, white or pink flowers in summer. The giant hogweed (H. mantegazzianum) is the largest and most notorious British weed; most species are best treated as architectural border plants in wild gardens.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toTurkey
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