Plant Details
A neat perennial wallflower with nice dark-red buds and bright yellow flowers which age to peach tones, from April to August.
Called perennial wallflower because they are much longer lived than their traditional bedding-plant cousins. Valuable in spring and early summer, when they are covered in typical wallflower flowers. Trim back after flowering to prevent them becoming woody, and you may be rewarded with a second flush of flowers.
Height and spread: 30 x 30cm
Erysimum are fast growing and happy in any sunny spot, provided the soil isn't boggy. They tolerate very dry soil once they are established.
Myth and Legend
In the 12th century, Troubadours would wear a sprig of wallflower to signify that their love survive time and misfortune. It is said that this is as a result of seeing the plant growing on the ruins of fallen towers, the rather romantic image of beauty and fragrance amonst desolation.
In Palestine, the wallflower is known as the 'blood drops of Christ'. It was introduced to Britain some 300 years ago, although some sources claim that it was originally introduced by the Romans.
Dreaming of wallflowers is said to be a sign to those in love that their sweetheart will be true to them.
Common name(s): Perennial Wallflower, Blister Cress, Hedge Mustard.
Photograph courtesy of The Hardy Plant Society.
