Erysimum

Wallflower
Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)
Perennials

This genus swallowed up Cheiranthus, which included the old-fashioned biennial bedding-plant wallflowers and several choice perennials. All have the typical clustered four-petaled flowers that give the crucifers their name, but their habits and uses differ widely.

Erysimum cheiri

Perennial in Zones 4–6, 14–17, 22, 23, but usually grown as a biennial or annual. From southern Europe. Best in cool, moist regions. Branching, woody-based plants 1–2 1/2 ft. tall, 1–1 1/2 ft. wide, with narrow bright green leaves and broad clusters of showy, sweet-scented flowers in spring. Blossoms are yellow, cream, orange, red, brown, or burgundy, sometimes shaded or veined with contrasting color. Main bloom period falls between that of primroses and summer bedding plants.

Under ideal conditions in coastal Pacific Northwest may bloom year-round. Sow seeds in spring for bloom the following year (some strains flower the first year if seeded early); or set out plants in fall or earliest spring. May self sow.

Erysimum insulare suffrutescens

Native to central and Southern California coasts. Woody-based growth 6–24 in. high, 4–12 in. wide, with narrow leaves and fragrant orange-yellow flowers inspring. Little water.