Mustard family
Cruciferae
E-riss'i-mum. A large genus of north temperate zone herbs, closely related to the Wallflower ( Cheiranthus ), differing only in technical characters. Commonly called blister-cresses.
Description
Somewhat resembling stocks, with yellow, lilac, or blue flowers, usually in terminal racemes that lengthen considerably as the long, 4-sided, usually beaked pods ripen.
How to Grow
Easy to grow in average to dry soil in full sun. The plants are almost like weeds in their ability to withstand unfavorable conditions. They flower profusely, except in excessive heat, and prefer cool weather.
Erysimum linifolium
Alpine Wallflower
. 6-18 in. (15-45 cm) high, somewhat prostrate. Flowers ¾ in. (19 mm) long, lilac, mauve, or yellow. Spain. Often sold as
Cheiranthus linifolius
. Adapted only to cool climates. Start seeds very early indoors; transplant outdoors as soon as soil can be worked. Perennial treated as a hardy annual.
Erysimum Perofskianum
To 2 ft. (60 cm) high. Flowers in. (13 mm) long, in crowded racemes, yellow or orange, petals and sepals 4 each. Afghanistan and Pakistan. Often sold as
Cheiranthus allionii
. Withstands moderate heat if humidity is not excessive. Sow seeds in fall where winters are mild. Elsewhere, sow as early as soil can be worked in spring. Hardy annual.
