Erysimum helveticum
fairy wallflower
Compact, evergreen, dome-shaped perennial about 15-30cm tall, with linear green or grey-green leaves, and a long succession of fragrant bright yellow flowers from purple buds, midwinter to late spring; may gently self-seed into cracks and pathways but does not become a nuisance
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Yellow | Grey Silver Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Grey Silver Green | |||
Autumn | Grey Silver Green | |||
Winter | Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Erysimum can be annuals, biennials or woody-based perennials with narrow leaves and dense racemes of often fragrant, 4-petalled flowers
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a sunny position in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Trim after flowering to prevent plants becoming leggy
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, snails, cabbage root fly and flea beetles
Diseases
May be susceptible to downy mildews, club root, leaf spot, root rot and virus diseases
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