About
A short-lived, evergreen perennial to about 50cm. Branching, woody-based stems bear narrow, dark green leaves and terminal clusters of perfumed, dark red flowers which fade to purple, over a long period from spring to autumn.
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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering and cut back by half after flowering to prevent plants getting leggy
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings, using shoots without flower buds
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and flea beetles
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a range of diseases including club root, downy mildews, leaf spot, root rot and a virus