Erysimum helveticum

RHS Plant Profile
fairy wallflower
fairy wallflower visionspictures.com

Other common names

western wallflower

Synonyms

Erysimum pumilum DC.
Erysimum arkansanum

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Brassicaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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