Overview
Erysimum cheiri (L.) Crantz is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. This species is commonly known as the wallflower. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its colorful and fragrant flowers.
Origin
Erysimum cheiri is native to southern Europe, western Asia, and North Africa.
Common Names
The common names for Erysimum cheiri include wallflower, cheiranthus, and gillyflower.
Uses
Erysimum cheiri is primarily grown for ornamental purposes. It is often used in rock gardens, borders, and pots. The plant's colorful and fragrant flowers make it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements. Additionally, the plant is sometimes used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Appearance
Erysimum cheiri is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant that reaches a height of 20-40 cm (8-16 in). The leaves are narrow, oblong, and hairy. The plant blooms in spring and summer, producing clusters of fragrant flowers that come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, and purple. The flowers have four petals arranged in a cross shape, and they are about 2 cm (0.8 in) in diameter. After flowering, the plant produces long, narrow seed pods.
Growth Conditions for Erysimum cheiri (L.) Crantz
Erysimum cheiri, commonly known as the Wallflower, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is a species native to Southern Europe and Western Asia and has been naturalized in other parts of the world. The plant is biennial or short-lived perennial and grows up to 90 cm tall. Here is a detailed discussion of the growth conditions for Erysimum cheiri:
Light Requirements
Erysimum cheiri grows best in full sun or partially shaded areas. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight to thrive. Insufficient sunlight results in poor growth and diminished bloom.
Temperature Requirements
Erysimum cheiri is usually planted in the early fall for a late winter or spring growth. It thrives in areas with cool and moist summers and mild winters. The plant grows well within USDA hardiness zones 6-10, with the ideal temperature range of 12-22°C.
Soil Requirements
Erysimum cheiri grows best in well-drained, fertile, and slightly alkaline soil. It can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, but an ideal pH range is between 7.0 and 7.5. The plant can also tolerate poor soil conditions, but it may lead to stunted growth and inferior flower quality. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation
Erysimum cheiri (L.) Crantz is a hardy plant that grows well in light, well-drained soils. It requires abundant sunlight and can tolerate some frost, making it ideal for outdoor gardens. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, which should be planted in early spring or late summer. When planting, it is important to space the plants about 30cm apart and stake taller stems to prevent breakages due to wind or rain.
Watering needs
Erysimum cheiri (L.) Crantz requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot and pest infestations. The plant should be watered deeply once a week, and the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. When watering, it is important to avoid getting water on the leaves as this can promote fungal growth.
Fertilization
Erysimum cheiri (L.) Crantz is a low-maintenance plant that doesn't require much fertilization. However, adding organic matter to the soil before planting can promote healthy growth. During the growing season, applying a balanced fertilizer every 6-8 weeks can further enhance plant growth and flowering. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Erysimum cheiri (L.) Crantz benefits from regular pruning to enhance its shape, promote bushier growth, and increase flowering. Pruning should be done in late spring or early summer after the plant has finished flowering. Deadheading spent flowers can also promote further flowering. When pruning, it is important to use clean and sharp pruning shears to prevent damage to the plant. It is also important to avoid removing more than one-third of the plant to prevent stress and reduced growth.
Propagation of Erysimum cheiri (L.) Crantz
Erysimum cheiri (L.) Crantz, commonly known as wallflower, is a popular ornamental plant that is native to Southern Europe and Western Asia. It is a herbaceous perennial that is often grown as an annual or biennial for its beautiful flowers.
Propagation Methods
Erysimum cheiri (L.) Crantz can be propagated by both sexual and asexual means. The most common methods of propagation include from seeds, basal cuttings, and stem cuttings.
Propagation from Seeds
The propagation of Erysimum cheiri (L.) Crantz from seeds is a simple and cost-effective method. The seeds germinate in around two to three weeks after sowing depending on the environmental factors. The best time for sowing the seeds is in the spring season, and they should be sown in a well-draining potting mix. After the seedlings emerge, they can be transplanted in individual containers or directly into the garden bed once they have attained 2-3 inches height.
Basal Cuttings
Another popular method of propagation of Erysimum cheiri (L.) Crantz is through basal cuttings. Basal cuttings are taken from the growing shoots of the parent plant and are usually rooted in a well-draining soil mix. This method is best done in late spring when new growth shoots emerge. The basal cuttings should be taken close to the plant's base, and the leaves on the lower half should be removed, leaving the upper ones to photosynthesize.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Erysimum cheiri (L.) Crantz, especially in the fall season. The stem cuttings should be taken from a healthy plant and must be around 3-4 inches long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped into the rooting hormone powder before being planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be watered sparingly, and the soil should be kept moist but not saturated until rooting has occurred.
Disease Management
Erysimum cheiri is susceptible to several diseases, including:
Clubroot
Clubroot is caused by the fungus Plasmodiophora brassicae and is characterized by swollen roots, stunted growth, and yellow leaves. To manage clubroot, ensure that the soil is well-draining, rotate crops, and avoid planting in areas where clubroot has been previously identified.
Black Rot
Black rot is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris and is characterized by blackened leaf veins, yellow leaves, and leaf drop. To manage black rot, remove all diseased plant material and avoid planting in areas where cruciferous crops have been grown recently.
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is caused by the fungus Peronospora viciae and is characterized by yellow spots on leaves, pale flowers, and stunted growth. To manage downy mildew, ensure proper air circulation around plants, avoid overhead irrigation, and treat with copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management
Erysimum cheiri is also susceptible to several pests, including:
Cabbage Worms
Cabbage worms, the larvae of Pieris rapae, are characterized by small holes in leaves and a white, velvety appearance. To manage cabbage worms, hand-pick the larvae or treat with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that typically cluster on the undersides of leaves. They can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, wash them off with a strong jet of water or treat with insecticidal soap.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails can cause large holes in leaves and may also damage the stems and flowers. To manage slugs and snails, hand-pick them from the garden and place traps baited with beer or yeast in areas where they are active.
