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Wallflower

Erysimum cheiri · Brassicaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant wallflower: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Scientific name
Erysimum cheiri
Family
Brassicaceae
Type
Biennial or short-lived perennial herbaceous plant
Flowering
Spring (March to May), yellow, orange or red flowers
Adult size
30 to 60 cm tall × 30 to 40 cm wide
Foliage
Semi-evergreen to evergreen
Hardiness
Down to -10 °C depending on varieties
Origin
Mediterranean region and Western Asia

Care

Sunlight

Wallflower prefers a sunny location, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It will tolerate light partial shade, but flowering will be less abundant. Position it on a south- or west-facing wall to encourage generous growth and flowering.

Watering

Water regularly when planting and during the first year of establishment. Once established, the plant tolerates drought well. Reduce watering in winter. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings to avoid waterlogging.

Soil

Wallflower appreciates well-draining, slightly chalky soil. It adapts to poor or rocky terrain, typical of wall cracks. Improve compact soil by adding coarse sand or gravel to prevent water stagnation, particularly in pots.

Pruning and deadheading

Pinch young plants to encourage compact, bushy growth. After flowering, remove spent flowers to stimulate a second flush of blooms. Lightly cut back the plant in late summer to maintain a dense shape and preserve its longevity.

Fertilizer

Use a balanced fertilizer diluted every 15 days during the growing and flowering period (spring). Reduce or stop feeding in autumn and winter. Moderate feeding is sufficient; over-feeding promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.

Pests and diseases

Wallflower is generally robust. Watch for mealybugs and aphids if growing in pots. Excessive moisture can cause powdery mildew or downy mildew; ensure good ventilation. Outdoors, it resists pests well if drainage conditions are respected.

Did you know?

Native to the rocky regions of the southeastern Mediterranean, wallflower owes its name to its natural ability to colonize cracks and joints in old stone walls, where it thrives without soil. In the Middle Ages, it symbolized faithfulness and was cultivated in the aristocratic gardens of Europe. Its fragrant flowers remain a classic of traditional English gardens, where they clothe stone walls in golden and warm hues from spring onwards.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.