Plant Overview
This rare Erysimum survives in the wild in only one area of Poland, the chalky hill and ruins of Czorsztyn Castle in Czorsztyn. It grows into a large bush, covered in typical yellow wallflower flowers and is the largest wallflower we know of.
It is now so threatened that it is listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Grows well in any well drained soil and will tolerate very poor soil indeed.
Height: 80cm - 1.2m
Common name(s): Giant Wallflower
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.
Photo: Jerzy Opioła [CC BY-SA]
