Wallflower | Erysimum Cheiri

Wallflower, also known as Erysimum Cheiri, is a short-lived evergreen perennial that produces spikes topped with 10 to 30 bright yellow–orange flowers. The blooms are sweetly scented, and there are several cultivars bearing different colors. They bloom in spring, like full sun, and look great at the front of borders or in containers. They are also ideal for dried bouquets. Wallflower is part of the Brassicaceae family and is considered a perennial. It typically grows to be 1 to 3 feet tall, with a spread of 12 to 18 inches.

Etymology

The word “Erysimum” is a Greek word for “yellow”, likely referring to the yellow-orange flowers that this plant produces. The species name “Cheiri” also derives from Greek and means “evergreen”, referring to the evergreen nature of this plant. It is also sometimes referred to as “Cheiranthus”, a name composed of Greek words meaning “hand” and “flower”, referring to a hand-shaped flower.

Symbolism and Significance

Wallflower has also featured in many cultures around the world throughout history, having religious and mythical significance.

The white species of Wallflower were used for funerals in ancient Rome, symbolizing death and sadness. In the Bible, it is said that the wall of Jerusalem was made of golden Wallflower.

The Cheirantine purple variant was a symbol of the twelve Apostles. Wallflower has also been known to have medicinal properties and has long been part of Eastern culture.

Popular Varieties

Due to its versatility, Wallflower is available in many different varieties. Some of the most popular varieties of Wallflower include Dwarf Cheiranthus, Cheiranthus Cheiri, Fire King, Sergeant Major, and Firebird.

• Dwarf Cheiranthus is one of the shortest varieties, growing up to 6 inches in height and producing petite yellow or orange flowers with a sweet fragrance.
• Cheiranthus Cheiri is the classic yellow variant, growing to about 16 inches in height and producing clusters of bright yellow flowers.
• Fire King is a bright red variety with orange hues, blooming from late spring to early summer.
• Sergeant Major is notable for its flowers, which appear in clusters on a single stem and bloom from spring to late summer.
• Finally, Firebird is known for its fiery orange flowers.

Cultivation

With regards to garden cultivation, Wallflower is best grown in light, mildly moist, well-drained soil in a sunny location. For planting purposes, you’ll want to water well and wait until the soil starts to dry out before watering again. The soil should also be kept slightly acidic.

For pruning Wallflower, start in late summer as this is when the plants begin to decline from blooming. Cut the plants back to their base and remove any old dead foliage. This will help to promote new growth in the spring and help to maintain the plant’s shape and color. If necessary, cut back any stems that have become leggy or wayward, but be aware of the pruning season for your specific Wallflower varieties.

Propagation

When it comes to propagating Wallflower, there are two common methods: using seeds or stem cuttings. Starting with seeds is relatively simple, but it requires some care to ensure success. First, choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade and prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds or debris. Then, sprinkle the seeds over the soil, taking care not to bury them too deep. In fact, Wallflower seeds require light to germinate, so a light covering of soil is all that’s necessary. Once the seeds are planted, water the area gently but thoroughly and keep the soil moist until germination occurs, typically in 2-3 weeks.

Pests and Diseases