Wallflower Erysimum 'Golden Jubilee'
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ABOUT
The 'Golden Jubilee' is a vibrant perennial wallflower, boasting masses of fragrant blooms. The flowers present a striking golden-yellow hue, providing a brilliant display of color when in season. These blossoms form dense clusters at the top of the stems, offering a rich contrast against the foliage. The leaves of the 'Golden Jubilee' are slender, lance-shaped, and have a bright green color that serves as the perfect backdrop for the vivid flowers. The foliage has a slightly glossy finish and sometimes acquires a grayish-green tone, which further accentuates the brightness of the yellow blossoms. Overall, the 'Golden Jubilee' wallflower is noted for its eye-catching flowers and the sweet scent that emanates from the blossoms, making it not only a visual treat but also a delight for the senses.
About this plant
Names
Family
Brassicaceae
Synonyms
Wallflower, Golden Jubilee Wallflower
Common names
Erysimum 'Golden Jubilee'
Toxicity
To humans
The plant known as Wallflower generally is not known to be highly toxic to humans. However, like many plants, if ingested in large quantities, it may cause stomach upset or discomfort. There is minimal information on the specific toxicity of Erysimum 'Golden Jubilee', but it is always wise to err on the side of caution and keep plants away from young children who might ingest plant parts out of curiosity. As there is limited data on the toxicity of this specific cultivar to humans, no specific symptoms of poisoning are commonly reported. In general, ingesting any plant not meant for consumption could potentially have negative consequences, such as gastrointestinal irritation or allergic reactions.
To pets
The Wallflower, including the Erysimum 'Golden Jubilee' variety, is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets, such as cats and dogs. However, it is always prudent to prevent pets from ingesting plants as they could potentially cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in some animals. Since Erysimum 'Golden Jubilee' does not have a widespread reputation for being poisonous, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning commonly associated with this plant for pets. Nevertheless, if a pet does ingest some of the plant and shows signs of distress, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds bright yellow flowers to gardens, offering a vibrant contrast to green foliage.
- Ease of Growth: Adapts well to a variety of soils and requires minimal maintenance once established.
- Attracts Pollinators: Provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, has a good tolerance for dry conditions, requiring less frequent watering.
- Long Blooming Period: Produces flowers for an extended period from spring to early summer.
- Compact Size: Grows to a modest height, making it suitable for borders, rock gardens, and small spaces.
- Frost Resistance: Capable of withstanding light frosts, which can extend its flowering season in cooler climates.
- Versatility: Can be used in a variety of garden designs, including cottage gardens, urban gardens, and as container plants.
- Perennial Habit: Comes back year after year, reducing the need for annual replanting.
- Seed Pods: After flowering, produces ornamental seed pods that add additional interest to the garden.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Wallflower dye source: The petals of 'Golden Jubilee' can be used to produce a natural dye for fabric or craft projects.
- Insectary plant: It can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which helps to pollinate nearby plants.
- Educational tool: It can be used in schools or educational programs to teach about plant life cycles, pollination, and conservation of native species.
- Photography subject: Its bright yellow flowers make it an excellent subject for photographers, especially in spring when it's in full bloom.
- Art inspiration: Artists may use its vibrant color and form as inspiration for paintings, drawings, or other artistic creations.
- Culinary decoration: Though not known for its edibility, the flowers can be used as a decorative garnish for plating in high-end culinary presentations.
- Aromatic sachets: Dried flowers and leaves can be placed in sachets to create natural air fresheners for drawers or closets.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried, the flowers may be incorporated into bouquets or other floral displays for their bright color and long vase life.
- Wedding decor: It can be incorporated into wedding venue decor, offering a natural and cost-effective decorative option.
- Garden theme creation: 'Golden Jubilee' can play a role in creating a monochromatic or hot-colored garden theme because of its striking yellow flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The plant name Erysimum 'Golden Jubilee', commonly known as Wallflower, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant name Erysimum 'Golden Jubilee', commonly known as Wallflower, is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Cheerfulness: The Erysimum 'Golden Jubilee', commonly known as Wallflower, often symbolizes cheerfulness due to its bright and vibrant yellow flowers that are reminiscent of joy and happiness.
- Fidelity: Wallflowers are also a symbol of fidelity and loyalty in friendships and relationships, perhaps due to their long-lasting nature both as plants and cut flowers.
- Perseverance: Given their ability to thrive in poor soil conditions and cling to walls, Wallflowers symbolize perseverance and the ability to endure challenging conditions.
- Adversity: Because they often grow in rocky crevices and difficult environments, they can represent overcoming adversity or succeeding despite hardships.
Water
The Wallflower 'Golden Jubilee' prefers soil that is kept moist but well-drained. During the growing season, water the plant deeply once a week with approximately 1 gallon of water. Adjust the frequency depending on weather conditions; more frequent watering may be necessary during hot, dry spells. In winter, reduce watering to every other week or less, making sure the soil does not become waterlogged. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot.
Light
Wallflower 'Golden Jubilee' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. A spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight is ideal for this plant. If grown indoors, a south-facing window would provide the optimal lighting conditions it requires to flourish.
Temperature
The Wallflower 'Golden Jubilee' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but performs best at 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exposing the plant to sudden frost or extreme heat to maintain its health and blooming capacity.
Pruning
Prune Wallflower 'Golden Jubilee' to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Deadheading spent flowers regularly will also promote continuous blooming. The best time to prune heavily is in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. Pruning every year or every other year is typically sufficient for maintaining the plant's health and aesthetic appeal.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Wallflower 'Golden Jubilee' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and gritty material like perlite or coarse sand is ideal. Organic matter enhances nutrient content and soil structure, ensuring healthy growth.
Repotting
Wallflower 'Golden Jubilee' does not require frequent repotting and should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Itβs crucial to avoid compacted soil which can restrict the plant's development.
Humidity & Misting
Wallflower 'Golden Jubilee' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to a range of conditions. It does not require high humidity and can thrive in the average humidity found in most outdoor environments.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, moderate water, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, well-draining soil, and space for air flow.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycle
Erysimum 'Golden Jubilee', commonly known as Wallflower, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and given the right conditions of light and temperature, will germinate and sprout. Seedlings emerge with primary leaves, and as the plant grows, true leaves develop, forming a small rosette at the base. As the Wallflower matures, it develops a sturdy stem and a bushy form with grey-green leaves, and it prepares to flower. The flowering stage usually occurs in spring or summer when bright yellow blooms appear, attracting pollinators to the garden and setting the stage for pollination. After pollination, the flowers produce seed pods which mature and, once dry, release seeds, thereby completing the reproductive cycle. The adult plant may then enter a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates, or it may perish, depending on its lifespan as a perennial or biennial, leaving the seeds to carry on the next generation.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Early Summer
The Erysimum 'Golden Jubilee', commonly known as Wallflower, is typically propagated by seed. For optimal results, sow seeds in late spring or early summer. This approach involves scattering the seeds thinly over moist, well-drained seed compost, ideally in pots or trays, and covering them with a fine layer of vermiculite or more compost. The containers should be placed in a greenhouse or on a windowsill at a temperature between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (about 18-21 degrees Celsius). It is crucial to keep the soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and later moved to their final position in the garden when they are well established.