Erysimum Cheiri, also known as Wallflower, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant for its brightly colored flowers and sweet fragrance. The plant is biennial, which means it completes its life cycle in two years. In the first year, it grows foliage and a rosette of leaves, and in the second year, it flowers and sets seeds before dying off.
Contents
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Erysimum |
Appearance
The Wallflower plant can grow up to 60 centimeters tall and 30 centimeters wide. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are gray-green in color and slightly hairy. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the top of long stems and come in various colors, including yellow, orange, pink, red, and purple. The petals of the flowers are rounded, and the center of the flower has four stamens and a pistil.
Care Guide
Wallflowers are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of environments. Here are some tips on how to care for Erysimum Cheiri:
- Water: Wallflowers prefer well-draining soil and do not like to be waterlogged. Water them deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilization: Feed Wallflowers with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season.
- Soil: Wallflowers prefer slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 7.0 to 7.5. They can tolerate poor soil as long as it is well-draining.
- Sunlight: Wallflowers need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to flower. They can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause them to become leggy and weak.
- Hardiness Zones: Wallflowers are hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9, which means they can tolerate winter temperatures down to -10°F (-23°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
Wallflowers are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can still be affected by some common problems. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that can affect Erysimum Cheiri:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and stems of Wallflowers, causing them to become distorted and yellowed. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.
- Whiteflies: These tiny, white insects can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control whiteflies.
- Clubroot: This soil-borne disease can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Remove infected plants and rotate crops to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Use a fungicide to control powdery mildew.
Habitat
Erysimum Cheiri is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found growing in rocky, dry habitats, such as cliffs, walls, and rocky outcrops. It is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes around the world.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Wallflowers grow in containers?
A: Yes, Wallflowers can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Wallflowers?
A: Wallflowers should be fertilized every four to six weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How can I propagate Wallflowers?
A: Wallflowers can be propagated by taking stem cuttings in the summertime or by sowing seeds in the fall or early spring.
Q: Do Wallflowers attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Wallflowers are attractive to bees and butterflies and can help to support pollinator populations in your garden.
Related Plants
- Erysimum asperum
- Erysimum bowles mauve
- Erysimum franciscanum
- Erysimum hieraciifolium
References
- University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. (n.d.). Erysimum cheiri. UC IPM. https://www2.ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/erysimum-cheiri/
- Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Erysimum cheiri. RHS. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/13329/erysimum-cheiri/details
- Gardenia. (n.d.). Erysimum cheiri (Wallflower). Gardenia. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/erysimum-cheiri-wallflower
