Erysimum cheiri

Erysimum cheiri — the wallflower

Erysimum cheiri is the botanical name for the classic wallflower, the sweetly scented mainstay of the spring garden. It is the species behind our wallflower range within the flower seed collection.

History & origin

A long-cultivated cottage-garden flower with Mediterranean roots, the wallflower earned its English name from its habit of seeding into old walls and stonework, where it thrives on lime and sharp drainage. It has been a beloved partner for spring bulbs for centuries.

The names reflect its character: Erysimum derives from the Greek for an old medicinal mustard relative, while cheiri traces back to Arabic and Greek roots long associated with this fragrant flower.

Botanical characteristics

A short-lived perennial usually grown as a biennial, Erysimum cheiri forms bushy, woody-based plants topped in spring with dense spikes of four-petalled flowers in velvety orange, red, gold, mauve and cream, carrying a rich, warm fragrance. The early flowers are an important nectar source, making it valuable among our bee-friendly flowers and lovely as scented cut flowers.

Growing Erysimum cheiri from seed

Grown as a biennial, sow in early summer in a nursery bed, thin the seedlings, and transplant to flowering positions in autumn for bloom the following spring. Give it full sun and well-drained, preferably limy soil. Our flower growing guide and flower sowing calendar cover the timing.

Ready to grow wallflowers? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Wallflower · Biennial Flowers · Bee-Friendly Flowers · Cut Flowers · All Flower Seeds

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