Erysimum Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Erysimum plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Wallflower: Cultivation & Garden Use

Erysimum make up a large genus of plants that can be hardy annual, hardy biennial, or hardy perennials in nature. They can range from 15 cm to about a meter (6 to 40 inches) in size.

They are very similar to Cheiranthus true wallflowers, hence some of their common names.

Some names for Erysimum include Alpine Wallflower, Coastal Wallflower, Siberian Wallflower, and Blister cress.

Erysimum capitatum - Western Wallflower by Miguel Vieira

They have foliage that is lance like. Plants bloom in the spring, with yellow, purple, or orange four petaled flowers.

Depending on the species, they can be used in both rock gardens or in the border.

Some of the latin names of these plants include Erysimum cheiri, Erysimum cheiranthoides, Erysimum linifolium, and Erysimum allionii.

Erysimum asperum - Prairie Rocket Wallflower by Photogramma1.

Commonly Grown Erysimum Species

Erysimum capitatum

Erysimum capitatum (Sanddune wallflower / Western wallflower / Prairie rocket), photograph by Matt Lavin; CC.

Erysimum cheiri

Erysimum cheiri (Wallflower), picture by Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project; CC.

Erysimum repandum

Erysimum repandum (Spreading wallflower / Spreading treacle mustard / Bushy wallflower), Image by Radu Chibzii; CC.

Erysimum linifolium

Erysimum linifolium (Alpine wall flower), photograph by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.

Commonly Grown Erysimum / Wallflower Cultivars

Erysimum 'Bowles Mauve'

Erysimum 'Bowles Mauve' Cultivar photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking; CC.

Erysimum 'Winter Joy'

Erysimum 'Winter Joy' Cultivar photograph by Valleybrook Gardens; CC.

Erysimum 'Winter orchid '

Erysimum 'Winter orchid' Cultivar photograph by Valleybrook Gardens; CC.

How to Grow Wallflower and other Erysimum Plants in your Garden

It depends on the species as to when the Erysimum seeds should be planted out:
1. Annuals: Sow seeds in Autumn or spring.
2. Biennials: Start in spring, move in autumn.
3. Perennials Spring or Autumn

Seeds should be planted at a depth of about 7 mm (1/4 inch) into a sunny part of the garden that has good drainage.

They usually take about two to four weeks to germinate. Wallflowers and other Erysimum members like a dry soil of pH 5 to 8.

Caring for Erysimum species in the garden

Once growing you should care for Erysimum wallflowers by deadheading after flowering. Provide them with a mulching in the Autumn.

If you require more plants then cuttings should be took in the spring; as Erysimum plants self seed this may not be necessary.

Common Questions

How many members does the Erysimum genus have?

The Erysimum genus consists of about 180 species.

Do members of Erysimum make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Erysimum, known as Wallflowers, are popular bedding and container plants with a wonderful spring fragrance.

Which Erysimum species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Erysimum cheiri (Common Wallflower) and Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve' are often grown by gardeners.

Are members of the Erysimum plant genus fragrant?

Yes, many Erysimum species, especially the Wallflowers, are known for their delightful fragrance.

What is the perfect location to grow Erysimum?

Erysimum prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil.

Is Erysimum invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Currently, Erysimum is not considered invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Erysimum plants from my garden?

Remove Erysimum by uprooting the plant, ensuring to remove all roots to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Erysimum genus, commonly known as Wallflower, includes about 180 species of flowering plants native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. These annuals or perennials produce clusters of fragrant, often brightly colored flowers from spring to early summer.

Erysimum plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds or cuttings. With their long flowering period and rich colors, they are excellent for adding vibrancy to borders, containers, or rock gardens. They also attract butterflies and are resistant to deer and rabbits.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Erysimum plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Brassicaceae growing guides: How to grow Sea kale, Thuja occidentalis, Parsnip and Iberis plants.