Overview
Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm. is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae, commonly known as the mustard family. This plant is widely cultivated for its vibrant and aromatic flowers, and it has been used for various medicinal and ornamental purposes.
Origin and Distribution
The origin of Cheiranthus bicornis is believed to be in the Mediterranean region. However, it has been distributed to several parts of the world, including Europe, North Africa, and Asia, where it has been naturalized in many regions. In recent times, it has furthered its reach to North and South America as well.
Common Names
Cheiranthus bicornis is commonly referred to as Two-horned wallflower, Siberian wallflower or Yellow wallflower. It is also known by other traditional names such as Glastonbury Thorn, Ragged Robin, and Poor Man’s Carnation.
Uses and Benefits
Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm. is widely used for cosmetic, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. The plant contains essential oils that are used in aromatherapy and perfumery. Its essence is believed to uplift one’s moods, alleviate anxiety, and restore energy.
The petals of the Cheiranthus bicornis are used in various foods as a natural food colorant, and its leaves have been used for medicinal purposes like treating respiratory ailments and congestion. Besides, it is widely grown for its aesthetic purposes as a garden accessory and for landscape beautification.
General Appearance
This plant is herbaceous, has a dense mat of basal leaves, and grows stems that reach up to a height of 30–60 cm. The flowers are generally bright yellow, fragrant, and appear in mid-spring to early summer. The plant has a relatively short lifespan of about three to four years and is thus often subjected to reinforcement through seeds.
The Two-horned wallflower is an attractive and easy-to-grow plant that serves both medicinal and ornamental purposes. Its unique and vibrant flowers have contributed to making it one of the most sought-after plants for novice and experienced gardeners alike.
Growth Conditions for Cheiranthus Bicornis Sibth. & Sm.
Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm. or Two-Horned Wallflower is a short-lived perennial plant that is typically found growing in rocky or gravelly habitats, along roadsides, and on open slopes. In order to ensure proper development, it requires specific growth conditions that are discussed below:
Light
Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm. prefers full sun to partial shade and requires a minimum of 4-6 hours of sunlight each day. This plant thrives in bright, direct sunlight and cannot tolerate excessive shading.
Temperature
Two-Horned Wallflower is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it thrives in moderate to cool temperatures, with an ideal range between 15°C and 25°C. It cannot withstand extreme heat or drought and, therefore, requires consistent moisture to survive.
Soil Requirements
Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm. grows well in well-drained soils that are rich in humus and have a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. It cannot tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils and requires medium to high soil fertility for optimal growth. Fertilization with a balanced NPK fertilizer helps boost plant growth and health.
In summary, providing ideal growth conditions that include bright, direct sunlight, moderate to cool temperatures, and well-drained, nutrient-rich soils with the right pH, will help promote healthy, robust growth and flowering for Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm.
Cultivation Methods for Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm.
Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm. is a hardy biennial plant that grows up to 50 cm tall and prefers well-drained soil. It is best to grow this plant from seeds, which should be sown in spring or autumn. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 5 mm in well-prepared soil. For optimal growth, it is best to sow the seeds in rows with a spacing of 15-20 cm between rows.
Watering Needs for Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm.
Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm. requires moderate watering. It is important not to overwater the plant as this can cause root rot. It is best to water the plant in the morning or the evening when the temperature is cooler. During the hot summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization of Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm.
It is recommended to feed Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm. with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. This will provide the necessary nutrients for optimal growth. Alternatively, you may use organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure. These will improve soil fertility and provide long-term benefits to the plant.
Pruning of Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm.
Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm. does not require extensive pruning. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage the plant to produce more blooms. This can be done by snipping off the flowers with a sharp pair of scissors. In addition, it is best to remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth and prevent disease.
Propagation of Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm.
Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm. is typically propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The seeds of the plant can be harvested and sown directly in the soil or in seed trays. Here are the main propagation methods for this plant:
Seed Propagation
It is recommended to sow Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm. seeds in the late spring or early summer. Before sowing the seeds, it is important to prepare the soil to create an optimal growing environment. The soil should be well-draining with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
The seeds should be sown directly into the soil at a depth of 2-3 cm. Alternatively, the seeds can be sown in seed trays and transplanted after germinating.
The germination of Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm. seeds typically occurs within 10-14 days. After germination, the seedlings should be thinned to ensure proper growth and spacing.
Vegetative Propagation
Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm. can also be propagated through vegetative means. The plant can be vegetatively propagated through cuttings or division.
Cuttings should be taken in the summer or autumn. The cuttings should be approximately 8-10 cm long and should be taken from the middle or top of the plant. The cuttings should be stripped of their lower leaves and should be inserted into well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and covered to create a humid environment to promote root growth.
Division is another vegetative propagation method. The plant should be divided in the spring or early autumn. The clumps should be lifted carefully, and the roots should be divided using a clean and sharp tool. Each divided section should have a healthy stem and root system. These divided sections should be replanted immediately.
Disease Management
Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm. is susceptible to fungi, bacteria, and viruses that can cause various diseases and reduce plant growth and yield. Below are some common diseases that affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Clubroot
Clubroot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to become swollen and distorted. The best way to manage clubroot is by planting resistant varieties, practicing crop rotation, and maintaining proper soil pH levels. Chemical fungicides can also be used in severe cases.
White Rust
White rust is a fungal disease that causes pustules on leaves, stems, and flowers, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. Effective management of white rust involves the use of resistant cultivars, proper pruning, and fungicides. It is important to remove and destroy the infected plant debris to prevent the spread of the disease.
Septoria Leaf Spot
Septoria leaf spot is a bacterial disease that affects the leaves, causing yellow spots that turn into brown lesions with a yellow halo. The disease can spread rapidly, leading to defoliation and reduced yield. To manage septoria leaf spot, remove and destroy the infected plant debris, maintain proper plant spacing, and apply copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management
Cheiranthus bicornis Sibth. & Sm. can also be attacked by various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Below are some common pests that affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Cabbage Aphids
Cabbage aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the leaves and stems of plants, causing yellowing and stunted growth. To manage cabbage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to the plants to feed on the aphids.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails can feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing irregular holes and damage. To manage slugs and snails, reduce the moisture level in the soil by avoiding over-watering and removing plant debris. Copper barriers and slug pellets can also be effective in reducing slug and snail populations.
Imported Cabbageworm
The imported cabbageworm is a caterpillar that feeds on the leaves of the plant, causing holes and defoliation. To manage the imported cabbageworm, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to kill the caterpillars. Handpicking the caterpillars and introducing predatory insects such as parasitic wasps can also be effective.
