Variegated Wallflower flowers

Variegated Wallflower flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Other Names:  syn. Erysimum Sissinghurst Variegated

Description:

Lovely lilac flowers and intersting variegated foliage; evergreen in milder climates, best performance in full sun; this is a self-seeding biennial but can be planted annually; may succumb to root-rot if winter soil is wet and not well-drained

Ornamental Features

Variegated Wallflower features showy clusters of fragrant lilac purple flowers rising above the foliage from early spring to early fall. Its sword-like leaves remain grayish green in color with showy creamy white variegation throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes

Variegated Wallflower is an herbaceous annual with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Self-Seeding

Variegated Wallflower is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Variegated Wallflower will grow to be about 14 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 14 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. Although it's not a true annual, this fast-growing plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for alkaline soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

Variegated Wallflower is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a mass of flowers against which the larger thriller plants stand out. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.