Overview
Erysimum concinnum, commonly known as the dainty wallflower, is a perennial plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. This species is indigenous to the western United States, particularly in the regions of California and Oregon.
Description
The dainty wallflower is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 50 centimeters tall and up to 20 centimeters wide. Its basal leaves are oblong, while its stem leaves are lanceolate with serrated edges. The plant produces terminal clusters of small, fragrant yellow flowers with four petals and six stamens. The blooms have a sweet honey-like scent that attracts bees and butterflies.
Uses
Aside from its ornamental value, the dainty wallflower has also been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. Native American tribes used it to treat coughs, colds, and sore throats. The plant is also known for its culinary uses. The leaves, young stems, and flowers are edible and can be used as a salad ingredient or as a garnish for dishes.
The dainty wallflower is also a popular garden plant due to its aesthetic appeal and low maintenance. It can be grown in containers, rock gardens, or as a border plant. Its long flowering period, which usually lasts from late winter to early summer, makes it an excellent choice for providing garden color during the early part of the year.
Cultivation
The dainty wallflower prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings in the spring or fall.
Pruning the plant back after its initial flowering period can help promote bushier growth and increase its longevity. It is also recommended to fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every six months to ensure healthy growth.
Light Requirements
Erysimum concinnum Eastw. typically requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. Individuals plants prefer to be in the direct sunlight for at least six hours a day in order to grow properly.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Erysimum concinnum Eastw. is capable of surviving in both hot and cold conditions. However, it prefers to be in a cooler climate with an average temperature of around 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C) in order to grow and thrive. Temperatures over 80°F (27°C) might reduce its chances of survival, especially if the soil is too dry.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Erysimum concinnum Eastw. mainly consist of a well-draining soil that is able to hold moisture without becoming waterlogged. The ideal soil is moderately rich in organic matter with a pH range between 6 and 7. In addition to that, the plant prefers sandy or loamy soil with good aeration. It can tolerate a range of soil textures but does not grow well in compacted soil.
Cultivation Methods
Erysimum concinnum Eastw., commonly known as the Santa Cruz wallflower, is a flowering plant species native to California. It is easy to grow and can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
To grow Erysimum concinnum Eastw., start by choosing a location that receives full sun to partial shade. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soil. It is important to prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter to improve its quality.
You can sow seeds in the spring or fall. If taking cuttings, do so in the summer and propagate in well-draining soil in a container or a good spot in the garden.
Watering Needs
Erysimum concinnum Eastw. requires regular watering, especially during the hot and dry months. However, overwatering can cause root rot, so it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained and to avoid leaving standing water around the plant.
Water the plant at the base, and avoid getting the foliage wet to prevent disease. In general, it is better to water deeply and less often than to water shallowly and frequently. Ensure it gets at least an inch of water per week and consistently check the moisture levels in the soil.
Fertilization
Erysimum concinnum Eastw. does not require a lot of fertilizer. A balanced fertilizer applied during the growing season will provide the necessary nutrients to the plant. It is crucial to not overfertilize as this can cause leggy, weak growth and it may also attract insect pests and diseases. The best approach to take is to wait for observation on how the plant is growing, and fertilize accordingly.
Pruning
Pruning should be done once a year just after blooming and then once in the late summer or early fall. You should cut back the stems by about one-third of their length. Pruning will encourage the plant to produce new growth at the base, resulting in bushier, fuller growth and more flowers. Pruning will also help to maintain the shape of the plant and prevent it from becoming too large or leggy.
Propagation
Erysimum concinnum can be propagated through both seeds and stem cuttings. It is important to note that this plant does not readily produce viable seeds, so propagation through stem cuttings is often the preferred method.
Propagation by Seeds
If obtaining seeds, they should be sown in the spring in a well-draining mixture of potting soil and sand. They should be covered with a very thin layer of soil, no more than 1/8 inch deep, and kept moist. Germination can take anywhere from one to four weeks. Once the seeds have sprouted and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to a larger container or outdoor garden bed.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is generally more successful than propagation by seeds. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be at least four inches long and taken from new growth at the stem tip. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, leaving only a few at the top. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining mixture of potting soil and sand. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Rooting can take anywhere from two to six weeks. Once roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted to a larger container or outdoor garden bed.
It should be noted that not all stem cuttings will successfully root, so it is recommended to take several cuttings to increase the chances of success.
Disease Management
Erysimum concinnum is relatively resistant to diseases. However, the following diseases may occasionally affect the plant:
- Root and stem rot: This is a fungal disease that results in the decay of the roots and stem of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. It can be prevented by ensuring that the soil has good drainage and avoiding waterlogging.
- Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be controlled by regularly spraying the plant with a fungicide.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular brown spots on the leaves of the plant, which eventually fall off. It can be controlled by removing infected leaves and spraying the plant with a fungicide.
Pest Management
Erysimum concinnum is also relatively resistant to pests. However, the following pests may occasionally affect the plant:
- Aphids: These are small, green insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to curl and distort. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Snails and slugs: These pests feed on the leaves of the plant, leaving behind irregular holes. They can be controlled by placing traps such as beer traps or copper tape around the plants or by using a slug and snail bait.
- Cabbage loopers: These are green caterpillars that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing extensive damage. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) or with a pesticide that contains spinosad.
