Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Brassicaceae
Botanical Name
Erysimum cheiri
Plant Common Name
Wallflower
General Description
The bright, sweetly fragrant blooms of this southern European native are a familiar spring sight (and smell) in English gardens. This herbaceous perennial is usually grown as an annual or biennial, performing its best when temperatures aren't too warm.
Low shrubby clumps of narrow, lance-shaped, bright green leaves give rise in spring to short erect stems topped with dense clusters of four-petaled blooms. Flower color may be orange, red, maroon, yellow, or ivory. Deadheaded plants often rebloom if temperatures remain moderate.
This tender perennial grows best where summers and winters are mild. It prefers full sun and well drained, moderately fertile, neutral to alkaline soil. Deadhead plants to prolong bloom and prevent self-sowing.
Numerous wallflower cultivars are available including 'Fire King', with nasturtium-red blooms, and the pastel-flowered Fair Lady Series. Most cultivars are propagated from seed sown outdoors in fall or indoors in late winter. Nurseries and garden centers sometimes offer plants in fall or early spring.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 9
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Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
10"-30" / 25.4cm - 76.2cm
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Width
10"-18" / 25.4cm - 45.7cm
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring
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Native To
Southern Europe
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Yellow, Red, Orange, Light Yellow, Pink, Salmon, Ivory
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Fruit Color
Green, Tan, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
