About

A short-lived evergreen perennial to 60cm in height, grown as a biennial for spring bedding, with coarsely toothed green leaves, and spicy-scented, vivid orange flowers in short racemes, in spring.

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, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial
HabitBushy, Tufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral or, ideally, alkaline soil; full sun is essential
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown from late spring to early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and flea beetles
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, club root and bacterial leaf blight