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Herbaceous Perennial

Erysimum cheiri
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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 warrior
wall gilliflower
see moreyellow gilliflower
bleeding heart
winter gilliflower
sauce-alone
Synonyms
Erysimum suffruticosum
Cheiranthus cheiri

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H5
Botanical details
Family
Brassicaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
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

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