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Herbaceous Perennial

Erysimum helveticum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

fairy wallflower

Compact, evergreen, dome-shaped perennial about 15-30cm tall, with linear green or grey-green leaves, and a long succession of fragrant bright yellow flowers from purple buds, midwinter to late spring; may gently self-seed into cracks and pathways but does not become a nuisance

Other common names
western wallflower
Synonyms
Erysimum pumilum DC.
Erysimum arkansanum
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Grey Silver Green
Summer Grey Silver Green
Autumn Grey Silver Green
Winter Yellow
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Brassicaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Erysimum can be annuals, biennials or woody-based perennials with narrow leaves and dense racemes of often fragrant, 4-petalled flowers

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a sunny position in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Trim after flowering to prevent plants becoming leggy

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails, cabbage root fly and flea beetles

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews, club root, leaf spot, root rot and virus diseases

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