Spreading Wallflower

erysimum repandum

Also known as: ["Spreading Wallflower"]

Family: Brassicaceae Genus: Erysimum Category: Flowers

Overview

A herbaceous perennial plant with bright yellow flowers, native to Europe and parts of Asia.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Erysimum
Botanical Name: Erysimum repandum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, sunny borders, or containers
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged growth.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plant for even light; use sheer curtains in intense sun; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam

pH: Slightly alkaline (pH 7.0–7.5).

Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if needed.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F); tolerates mild frosts.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize in spring/summer only; dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; stop before winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cutting.
  2. Apply hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer for cuttings; autumn for seeds.

Environment

Warm (65–75°F), high humidity, indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss.

Hormone

Optional, but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

4–6 weeks for roots; 2–3 months to establish.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadheading and selective trimming of overgrown stems.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; cut above leaf nodes; remove dead growth; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; repot in fresh soil with good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and drainage.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim roots; add fresh soil; water lightly.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may suffer leaf damage below 20°F.

Solution: Provide frost protection; move indoors in severe cold; use mulch to insulate roots.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch or wilt in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to soil; rinse tools afterward.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Erysimum repandum can indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or may be a symptom of root rot caused by overwatering or pathogenic fungi.

Wilting in Erysimum repandum is often a sign of water stress, either due to insufficient watering or root damage from overwatering, pests, or soil-borne pathogens.

Leaf spots on Erysimum repandum may be caused by fungal pathogens like Alternaria or Cercospora, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential defoliation if severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Erysimum repandum is typically caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to fungal infections such as Pythium or Fusarium.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are susceptible to the toxic effects of Erysimum repandum, which can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation and potential thyroid issues.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy depression abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure the plant is inaccessible to cats. Contact a veterinarian immediately if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Toxic

Ingestion of Erysimum repandum by dogs can lead to gastrointestinal upset and potential thyroid dysfunction due to the presence of glucosinolates.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite abdominal discomfort
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant out of reach of dogs. Seek veterinary attention if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Toxic

Erysimum repandum contains glucosinolates and other compounds that can cause significant physiological distress upon ingestion. These compounds interfere with thyroid function and may lead to goiter or other metabolic disturbances.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain goiter metabolic imbalance
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of any part of the plant. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should Erysimum repandum be watered?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Q: Does Erysimum repandum attract pollinators?

A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Q: Is Erysimum repandum suitable for container gardening?

A: It can be grown in containers, but ensure adequate drainage and space for root growth.

Quick Reference
Family: Brassicaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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