Commonly known as wallflower (Erysimum cheiri) is an exotic flower and belongs to the group of flowers people tend to call “clove-scented”. It is a very attractive plant that grows as a biennial in our climate conditions. As mentioned above it gives off a pleasant clove-like aroma and it is easy to grow! You just have to know when to start. Wallflower comes from the Mediterranean where it grows a perennial, but if you grow it in our corner of the world you can expect a fully developed beauty during the second year after sowing.

Introducing wallflower

A very pleasant and typical smell of wallflower is the main reason for its popularity. It can reach a height of 25 to 75 centimetres and it blooms from April to July. Brownish-yellow flowers are the most common, but you can also find yellow, red or purple flowers. If you wish to grow wallflower choose a sunny location and well-drained soil.

Photo: Pixabay

When is it time to sow?

Sow seeds directly in soil (or in a container) at the beginning of summer. In autumn, you need to thin seedlings and transplant them to their final location where they will overwinter and bloom in April of the next following year. Choose a soil that contains a small amount of lime but enough humus and water slightly. Do not overdo it.

Winter care

Cover your plants before the winter to protect them from frost. Twigs or leaves are suitable for this purpose. Remember, to remove the twigs in March to make sure that they wake up and grow into beautiful plants in early spring. Be careful with watering in winter (especially if plants are young). Wallflower does not like it very much.

Spring care

When the spring comes, we recommend tying plants to provide and additional support. The higher the plant is, the easier it will break. You also need to pay attention to withered or spent flowers – remove them regularly. This will extend the flowering period so, you can enjoy flowers longer. If you leave old and spent flowers on the plant, the plant will make seeds rather than new flowers.

Preview photo: Pixabay