Erysimum asperum
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Erysimum asperum

Erysimum Asperum

ON THIS PLANT

Erysimum asperum, the western wallflower (a name it shares with Erysimum capitatum), is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. It is native to west-central Canada, the west-central United States, and northern Mexico; in grasslands generally east of the Continental Divide and west of the Mississippi. It is a member of the Erysimum asperum-E. capitatum species complex.

A note from PlantMom

Western wallflower is fairly disease-resistant and usually not prone to illnesses. Nevertheless, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its surroundings. These problems are typically not severe. Regarding care, this plant is medium maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to maintain a tidy appearance and healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help encourage flowering. Western wallflower is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or patio, and does not require extensive care experience. It may need more attention when grown indoors.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Erysimum Asperum.

Light

Western wallflower comes from bright, open environments and thrives in full sun. It can tolerate partial sun but favors direct sunlight for optimal growth. This plant, which can be annual or biennial, is known for its sun-loving nature.

Water

The western wallflower is well-suited to environments with both dry and wet conditions, demonstrating moderate drought tolerance. To maintain its health, it benefits from weekly watering. Because it is adapted to its native habitat, the western wallflower is an excellent choice for gardens that experience regular rainfall.

Temperature

Western wallflower can adapt to a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be constrained by different combinations of moisture and heat. It does best in warm summer climates with adequate rainfall or watering. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather or prolonged high temperatures can increase the chance of Western wallflower dying. In winter, proper protection from cold can improve the plant's survival rate.

Fertilizer

Western wallflower requires regular fertilization to encourage flowering but is sensitive to overfeeding. It needs small, frequent applications of fertilizer throughout its life cycle, especially during the peak period of active growth and while it is flowering. You will feed your Western wallflower until it stops blooming.

Pruning

To ensure optimal growth of the western wallflower, it's best to prune it in early to late spring, right after it blooms. Start by removing spent flowers and any damaged stems. Also, thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Regular pruning helps maintain a compact shape and enhances the plant's health, ensuring vibrant displays every year.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Biennial, Perennial
Genus
Erysimum
Family
Brassicaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
5 cm to 46 cm
Mature Spread
20 cm to 30 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Blue
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow, Orange
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Summer
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Western wallflower en Prairie rocket en Plains erysimum en Plains wallflower
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Western wallflower plant for the best results?

To properly water the Western wallflower, use filtered water at room temperature. Tap water may have harmful particles, so filtered water is best. The Western wallflower is accustomed to warm environments, so avoid using cold water as it can shock the plant. Additionally, overhead watering should be avoided to prevent foliage issues. Instead, saturate the soil with your filtered room temperature water. This benefits the plant by moistening the roots and aiding in nutrient absorption.

What are the sunlight requirements for Western Wallflower?

Western Wallflower thrives in environments that receive full sunlight, needing more than 6 hours of sunlight daily. It can also adapt to partial sun conditions, where it would receive about 3-6 hours of sunlight a day. However, for its optimal growth, direct sunlight is preferred. It's essential to observe how sunlight moves through your garden to ensure that your plants get the perfect balance of light and shade, thereby guaranteeing their growth and happiness.

What is the Western wallflower?

The Western wallflower is known scientifically as Erysimum asperum. It is a species within the Erysimum genus, and while this entry does not provide detailed information about its characteristics, the Western wallflower is recognized by its binomial name.

What should I do if I give my Western wallflower too much water or too little water?

Overwatering is a common issue that can harm your Western wallflower. When this happens, the stems and leaves may wilt and turn yellow. It can also lead to diseases like root rot, mold, and mildew. Underwatering is less common but still possible, causing the leaves to become brittle and brown. It's important to notice signs of overwatering early to prevent irreversible damage. Reduce watering if you see early signs and check the soil's drainage. Replace poorly draining soil with a loose, well-draining potting mix. If your Western wallflower lacks water, simply increase watering until signs subside.

How can artificial lighting benefit indoor Western Wallflower plants?

Indoor Western Wallflower plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth, especially when natural sunlight is insufficient during winter or in less sunny spaces. Artificial lights serve as an excellent alternative, promoting faster, healthier growth. LED lights are recommended due to their ability to provide specific light wavelengths needed by plants. For full sun plants, 30-50W per square foot is required; partial sun plants need 20-30W per square foot, and full shade plants require 10-20W per square foot. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight conditions. Most plants will need 8-12 hours of light per day to mimic the length of natural daylight hours adequately.

How frequently should I give water to my Western wallflower?

If your Western wallflower is in a pot, the most precise way to determine if it needs water is to check the soil with your finger. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry, it's time to water it. If you are growing your Western wallflower outdoors in the ground, you can use the same method. When the top few inches of soil have dried out, it's time to water. In spring and early fall, you may need to water this plant about once a week. However, during very hot weather, you may need to water it twice or more per week. It's worth noting that mature and well-established Western wallflowers can handle drought well.

What are the signs of light deficiency in Western Wallflower?

Light deficiency in Western Wallflower can lead to several noticeable symptoms: small new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, and lighter-colored or yellowing leaves (chlorosis). Damage from excessive sunlight can cause sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching, characterized by dry, crispy edges or patches on leaves. These symptoms indicate that the plant is not receiving adequate sunlight for photosynthesis, leading to poor growth and health.

How much water does my Western wallflower require?

To properly water your Western wallflower, don't hold back on the amount of water you give it. When the top two to three inches of soil are dry, it's time for a good, thorough watering. Make sure to saturate the soil completely, so much so that the excess water drains through the pot's drainage holes. If you don't see excess water draining, you may have not used enough water. However, be careful not to let water accumulate in the soil, as this can harm the plant. On the other hand, if water doesn't drain well from the pot, it could mean that the soil doesn't drain properly, and this is not good for the plant's health. If the plant is outdoors, receiving about 1 inch of rain per week should be enough.

How can I address light deficiency in Western Wallflower plants?

To combat light deficiency in Western Wallflower plants, gradually move them to sunnier locations where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Utilize a south-facing window and keep curtains open during the day for indoor plants. If the plant is large or not easily movable, artificial light can be an alternative. For outdoor plants, it's critical to move them gradually to avoid shock and sunburn. Removing obstructions, such as pruning trees that block sunlight, or transplanting smaller plants to sunnier spots during their dormant period, can significantly enhance light exposure. Though parts of the plant affected by previous poor light conditions may not recover, new growth will be healthy with improved light exposure.

How do I water my Western wallflower as it grows?

The water needs of the Western wallflower vary depending on its growth stages. In the first few years or after transplanting, it requires more water because it focuses on developing new roots for future growth. These roots benefit from additional moisture. As it matures, the plant requires less water. Additionally, during the bloom period, when the flowers are developing, the Western wallflower may require more water due to the increased moisture demand.

How much water does my Western wallflower need in different seasons?

During the hottest months of the year, the Western wallflower has the highest water needs. In the peak of summer, you may need to water this plant more than once per week, depending on how quickly the soil dries. However, in winter, the plant goes into a dormant phase and requires significantly less water. In fact, you may not need to water it at all during winter. If you choose to water during this time, do not do so more than once per month to avoid the risk of disease.

What's the difference between watering my Western wallflower inside and outside?

When growing the Western wallflower indoors, it's important to keep in mind that container soil can dry out faster than ground soil, so watering may be needed more frequently. This is especially true if there are drying elements like air conditioning units present. However, if you choose to plant it outside and get regular rainfall, you may not need to water it as much. On the other hand, if you grow the Western wallflower indoors, you will need to water it more often since rainwater won't be able to soak the soil.

PLATES
Erysimum asperum leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Erysimum asperum leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Erysimum asperum flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Erysimum asperum flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Erysimum asperum habit
PLATE 05 · habit
Erysimum asperum habit
PLATE 06 · habit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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