Synonyms: Erysimum
Family: Brassicaceae
Common Name: Wallflower

Wallflowers are native to Europe and, although strictly perennial, are grown as biennials for spring bedding. They are particularly favored in cottage gardens. They bloom in the spring and have sweetly fragrant flowers. The true wallflower is Cheiranthus cheiri (Synonym: Erysimum cheiri), and there are many cultivars available in a wide range of colours. They are frequently grown with tulips in bedding schemes.

Species

C. cheiri (Synonyms: Erysimum cheiri), English wallflower, is an upright, branching plant, growing to 20-40 cm (8-16 in) or more, with yellow or yellowish brown flowers. Parent to a number of fragrant hybrids, it is grown as a late winter-spring flowering biennial in most places.

Cultivation

Plants are raised annually from seed sown in an outdoor seed bed in early summer. The seedlings are transplanted to a nursery bed to grow on and then planted in their flowering positions in the autumn. They need a very well drained soil as cold, wet conditions in winter can lead to death. They favor an alkaline soil. Ensure shelter from cold, drying winds and for best flowering, provide a sunny position. Discard plants after they have flowered.

Climate

Zone 7.