Wallflower (Perennial) Growing Guide

Erysimum linifolium hybrids

Crop Rotation Group

Brassicas (Cabbage family) ●

Soil

Fertile yet sharply drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.

Position

Full sun to part afternoon shade in hot summer areas.

Frost tolerant

Yes. Perennial wallflowers survive winter temperatures to -15°C (5°F), and grow as short-lived perennials in mild winter climates.

Feeding

Drench with a liquid organic fertiliser when plants show vigorous new growth in late spring. Feed plants in containers monthly with a balanced water-soluble plant food.

Spacing

Single Plants: 40cm (1' 3") each way (minimum)
Rows: 40cm (1' 3") with 40cm (1' 3") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Start seeds indoors in late winter to early spring and grow them under bright light until the weather becomes settled in spring. Or, start with purchased plants of a named variety. Plant at the same depth the plants grew in their containers and water well. A light mulch will deter weeds and help retain soil moisture until the plants are well rooted. Where summers are hot, wait until late summer or early autumn to sow violet wallflower seeds, and grow the plants as winter annuals. Basal cuttings taken when plants are emerging from dormancy in late spring are easy to root in moist potting soil. If planting into containers, use 2 plants per 35 cm (14-inch ) wide pot
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

The flowers are popular among bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Perennial wallflowers grow best in climates with cool summer nights and may struggle in hot, humid areas. Plants become woody by their third year and may not bloom as well as younger plants. Renovate beds every three years or so in autumn or spring, lifting and replanting the strongest crowns.

Harvesting

Perennial wallflowers make excellent cut flowers if you don’t mind a few petals on the table. Cutting some of the old flower spikes will help extend bloom time, yet the plants will self-sow if you allow some stems to hold seed pods until they turn brown. With encouragement, perennial wallflowers will reseed for many years, with seedling sometimes appearing in nearby beds.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Wallflower (Perennial)

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail