Erysimum linifolium 'Variegatum'
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syn. E. 'Sissinghurst Variegated'
WALLFLOWER
Family: Brassicaceae
Pronounced: eh-RIH-sih-mum line-ih-FO-lee-um
GROWING GUIDE
Geographical Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Perennial.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: Not Listed.
USDA zones: 7-9.
Heat zones: 9-7.
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Flowering period: Spring to fall, with a sprinkling of flowers throughout winter.
Flowering attributes: Racemes of lilac to lavender-blue flowers with four petals.
Leaf attributes: Narrow, lance-shaped, gray-green leaves with cream margins.
Growth habit: Mat-forming.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Humus rich, well-drained soil.
Feeding: Side dress with compost or manure. Fertilize in spring with a complete organic fertilizer.
Propagation Methods: Take two-inch long cuttings after flowering or in autumn.
Pruning Methods: Trim lightly after main flush of flowering in July to keep plants from getting too leggy.
Pests and Diseases: Although I have not seen any problems in my garden, snails, slugs and caterpillars can damage the plants. Rust, downy mildew, mosaic virus and fungal leaf spots can occur. As with any member of the brassicaceae family, clubroot may be a problem.
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Rainy Side Notes
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Although not long lived, Erysimum linifolium 'Variegatum' is worth growing, replacing and growing again. This plant blooms all year round in my garden, so if it only lives two to five years, I believe it’s worth the effort to replace it from time to time. The plants live longest when growing in light, sandy, neutral soils; once established the plant is drought tolerant.
The second year after planting wallflowers, I lost one plant after pruning it back too hard at the wrong season. The others lived a few more years, but I lost them in winter. My plan this year is to plant three on top of a rock wall so that their handsome evergreen foliage can cascade down over the black basalt. Of the many perennials I grow, I rate this wallflower at the top of the list for year round interest and low maintenance.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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