Wallflower
Erysimum cheiri
Wallflowers are quintessential spring bedding plants with clusters of fragrant, cross-shaped flowers in warm golds, oranges, bronzes, and purples from March to June. They bridge the gap between early bulbs and summer perennials beautifully. Sow in May–June in a nursery bed or direct in their final positions for biennial flowering the following spring. Alternatively, buy bare-root plants in autumn. Plant in very well-drained soil in full sun — wallflowers hate wet feet and will rot in heavy clay. Space 30cm apart. Trim back after flowering to keep compact, though they are usually treated as biennials and replaced yearly.
Plan where to grow Wallflower using our vegetable garden planner.
When to Sow Wallflower
Sow wallflower in May, June, July. It flowers from March to May.
Time to Flower Wallflower
Expect flowers approximately 10 months after sowing.
Companion Plants for Wallflower
- Daffodil
Wallflowers fill the ground around daffodils and pick up as the daffodils fade, extending the spring display.
- Tulip
A classic spring bedding combination: tulips rise through the wallflowers and both flower in April–May.
- Forget-me-not
Traditional spring bedding partners, both sown in early summer to flower together the following spring.
Avoid growing wallflower near
- Cabbages and other brassicas: Wallflowers are in the cabbage family and can carry clubroot, so keep them away from brassica beds.
Expected Yield
A 1m row provides a dense block of spring colour and cut stems.
Pruning Wallflower
Pinch out the tips of young plants in summer to make them bushy. After flowering, pull out bedding plants, or trim perennial types lightly to keep them compact.
Common Problems with Wallflower
Plants die over winter
Wallflowers need sharp drainage. Improve heavy soil with grit, plant in raised beds, or grow in containers overwintered in a cold frame.
Club root in brassica beds
Wallflower is a brassica relative and susceptible to club root. Do not plant where brassicas have grown recently; rotate beds.
Sparse, short flowering stems
Pinch out the growing tips of young plants in autumn to encourage branching and a fuller display the following spring.
Wallflower: common questions
When should I sow wallflower in the UK?
Sow wallflower from May to July. Sow it directly where it is to grow.
How far apart should I plant wallflower?
Space wallflower about 30cm apart. It grows to around 40cm tall. Sow seeds 0.5cm deep.
How long does wallflower take to germinate?
Wallflower seeds usually germinate in 7–14 days, depending on temperature.
When does wallflower flower?
Wallflower usually flowers from March to May in the UK.
Does wallflower come back every year?
Not usually. Wallflower is a biennial: it grows leaves in its first year, flowers in its second and then dies. It often self-seeds, so new plants may appear on their own.
When should I prune wallflower?
Pinch out the tips of young plants in summer to make them bushy. After flowering, pull out bedding plants, or trim perennial types lightly to keep them compact.
What grows well with wallflower?
Good companions for wallflower include Daffodil, Tulip and Forget-me-not. See the companion plants section above for why each one helps.
What should I not plant near wallflower?
Avoid cabbages and other brassicas: wallflowers are in the cabbage family and can carry clubroot, so keep them away from brassica beds.
Is wallflower frost hardy?
Yes. Wallflower is hardy and survives a normal UK winter outdoors.
Is wallflower a brassica?
Yes. Wallflower belongs in the brassicas group for crop rotation. Grow it in a different bed each year, alongside other brassicas, so pests and diseases don't build up in the soil.
Plan your wallflower in the allotment planner
Drag and drop plants onto your plot and get personalised sowing reminders.
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