Also known as Wallflower · 179 saves
Erysimum
Erysimum, the genus most gardeners know as wallflower. We track 9 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 9 most-saved Erysimum varieties
3 species of Erysimum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Erysimum in Sow
Save the Erysimum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Erysimum
Whats common across all Erysimum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 9 most-grown of them.
The Erysimum year
- PruneMay89% of varieties
Shear back lightly after the first major flush to maintain shape
- DeadheadMarch–June67% of varieties
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage continuous blooming
- PropagateJune–September56% of varieties
Take softwood cuttings in early summer to replace aging plants
- PlantMarch, August and September44% of varieties
Plant transplants in spring or sow seeds in late summer/fall
- FertilizeMarch33% of varieties
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer twice during the main growing season
- Spring CleanupFebruary33% of varieties
Remove any winter-damaged foliage before new growth begins
Do
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Water deeply during dry spells without waterlogging 🌱
- Use organic compost to enrich soil
- Water moderately, allowing soil to dry between watering 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged stems promptly
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases ❌
- Don’t let soil stay soggy
- Avoid excessive fertilization which can cause legginess
What goes wrong with Erysimum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Cabbage Worms | Chewed leaves and frass | Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as an organic control |
| Caterpillars | Chewed leaves and stems | Handpick or apply Bacillus thuringiensis |
| Flea beetle | Small round shot holes peppering the leaves in warm dry spells | Keep plants watered enough to grow away from the damage; established plants shrug it off |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply neem oil |
| Root Rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Ensure proper drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting despite watering | Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency |
Making more Erysimum
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for germination, approximately 2 weeks.
- Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart once established.
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood stems in late summer.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Keep in shaded area for 6 weeks until roots develop.
Erysimum questions
How many types of Erysimum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 9 distinct Erysimum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 179 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Erysimum grow in?
Across its varieties, Erysimum covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Erysimum bloom?
Most Erysimum varieties bloom in early spring, spring to fall, spring to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Erysimum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.