Erysimum cheiri
common wallflower
A short-lived, evergreen perennial grown as a biennial, with narrow, dark-green foliage and four-petalled, sweetly-scented, bright yellow-orange flowers produced in short spikes in spring. Cultivars are available in a wide range of colours from cream to dark red
Other common names
bloody warriorwall gilliflower
see moreyellow gilliflower
bleeding heart
winter gilliflower
sauce-alone
Synonyms
Erysimum suffruticosumCheiranthus cheiri
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Orange | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or 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 poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral or, ideally, alkaline soil; full sun is essential
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in spring or summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, snails and flea beetles
Diseases
May be affected by a downy mildew, club root and bacterial leaf blight
Get involved
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