Please make sure JavaScript is enabled.
 
Western Wallflower in the GardenTags plant encyclopedia

Erysimum capitatum

 

Western Wallflower

Erysimum's (or Wallflowers as they are commonly known as) are part of the Brassicaceae family and are originally native to southern europe. Most garden cultivars are derived from Erysimum x cheiri, which is native to South East Europe. They have long been associated with cottage gardens. Producing early, fragrant blooms, it is often used in spring bedding schemes. They are technically short-lived perennials, and will eventually develop a woody framework, however due to their susceptability to fungal and bacterial disease they are best grown as biennials and discarded after flowering. Despite this, some cultivars have proven to do well as perennials. Those that have a good perennial reputation tend to be evergreen throughout the year. Wallflowers are not difficult plants to grow in most soils, and as they are part of the Brassicaceae family they do very well in alkaline soils, but not so good in damp acidic soil. There are a range of colours available ranging from pinks, mauves, oranges, yellows and reds. Many are fragrant. Erysimum capitatum is a species native to the USA and Mexico and produces green foliage from rosettes and produces usually yellow to orange flowers.

Contributed by @canyonland23

 
plant Features
  • Western Wallflower likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Western Wallflower likes occasional watering

    Occasional watering

  • Western Wallflower is full frost hardy: 5f (-15°c)

    Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)

  • Western Wallflower likes free draining and fertile

    Free draining and fertile

 
plant information

Common name

Western Wallflower

Latin name

Erysimum capitatum

type

Biennial or short-lived perennial

family

Brassicaceae

ph

6.0 - 8.5 Acid - Neutral

  • Light

    Western Wallflower likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Frost

    Western Wallflower is full frost hardy: 5f (-15°c)

    Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)

  • Soil

    Western Wallflower likes free draining and fertile

    Free draining and fertile

  • Water

    Western Wallflower likes occasional watering

    Occasional watering

Plant & bloom calendar

  •  
    Best time to plant

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Western Wallflower is 0.30meters x 0.40meters 0.30 M 0.40 M

Erysimum capitatum

Erysimum's (or Wallflowers as they are commonly known as) are part of the Brassicaceae family and are originally native to southern europe. Most garden cultivars are derived from Erysimum x cheiri, which is native to South East Europe. They have long been associated with cottage gardens. Producing early, fragrant blooms, it is often used in spring bedding schemes. They are technically short-lived perennials, and will eventually develop a woody framework, however due to their susceptability to fungal and bacterial disease they are best grown as biennials and discarded after flowering. Despite this, some cultivars have proven to do well as perennials. Those that have a good perennial reputation tend to be evergreen throughout the year. Wallflowers are not difficult plants to grow in most soils, and as they are part of the Brassicaceae family they do very well in alkaline soils, but not so good in damp acidic soil. There are a range of colours available ranging from pinks, mauves, oranges, yellows and reds. Many are fragrant. Erysimum capitatum is a species native to the USA and Mexico and produces green foliage from rosettes and produces usually yellow to orange flowers.


Planting young plants

From Mid Autumn TO Early Winter

Wallflowers grow well in full sun or light shade and should be planted in a well drained soil. They grow best in cool, moist climates but once the plant has become established in the garden, it is very durable and can withstand a certain amount of drought. In cold climates, be sure to provide ample mulch in the winter. Plant wallflowers in masses with summer flowering bulbs or include a few in containers planted with summer blooms. Set them out in the growing position in late autumn for spring blooming the following year.

 

Propagation by cuttings

From Late Spring TO Late Spring

Propagation of growing wallflowers can also be done by cuttings in spring. Semi hard wood cuttings are taken from the current years growth from late spring the bottom of the cuttings is hard and soft on the top. With a sharp knife take a cutting of about 14cms, remove lowest leaves, dip end into rooting hormone, and place round the edge of a pot filled with a suitable compost, water well, they must remain moist till rooted, place under glass but in semi shade.

 

Propagation by seed

From Early Summer TO Mid Summer

Wallflowers are easily started indoors from seeds. Keep the temperature within the growing medium at 55°-65°. Germination will take place within 7-10 days. Pot up wallflower plants using free-draining compost, and grow them on in frost free conditions until large enough to plant outside. When plants are well grown, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting outdoors on free draining soil in full sun.

 
Subscribe to GardenTags Premium to get personalised planting tasks and more for your entire plant collection
 
Gardeners who are growing this plant