Wallflower Erysimum 'Red Jep'
ABOUT
Erysimum 'Red Jep', commonly known as Wallflower, is a vibrant and colorful perennial plant renowned for its richly hued flowers. The blossoms of the Wallflower come in a striking shade of red, which can range from deep crimson to a bright, fiery scarlet, adding a splash of bold color to any garden. These blossoms are typically small and grouped together in clusters, creating a dense and eye-catching floral display. The leaves of the Wallflower are typically narrow, elongated, and have a slightly glossy appearance, with a deep green color that contrasts beautifully with the red flowers. The foliage often forms a lush backdrop that accentuates the intense coloration of the blooms. Wallflower plants tend to have a bushy and compact habit, with branches that may spread outwards to form a dense mound of both flowers and foliage. This growth habit makes them particularly suitable for borders, rockeries, and containers, where their vivid blooms can be appreciated up close. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Wallflower 'Red Jep' is also known for its pleasant fragrance. The scent can waft through the air, particularly in the morning and evening, making this plant a delightful addition to gardens designed for sensory experiences. Overall, the Wallflower 'Red Jep' is a cherished plant for its striking red flowers, fragrant aroma, and the splash of color it brings to garden landscapes. Its ability to create visually compelling displays without growing overly large makes it a favorite among gardening enthusiasts who wish to brighten up their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Brassicaceae.
Synonyms
Wallflower, Perennial Wallflower, Red Jep Wallflower.
Common names
Erysimum 'Red Jep'.
ToxicityTo humans
Wallflower 'Red Jep' toxicity to humans is not well documented, but like other Erysimum species, it may contain compounds that are potentially harmful if ingested in large quantities. The plant is not typically considered highly toxic to people. However, ingesting wallflower or handling it excessively may cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals. Symptoms of plant toxicity, in general, can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and skin irritation. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, it is essential to seek medical advice.
To pets
Wallflower 'Red Jep' toxicity to pets is also not well documented, but it may be harmful if ingested in large amounts. As with humans, wallflower is not generally known as a highly toxic plant to animals. However, some pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, if they consume parts of this plant. In the case of any suspected poisoning, it is important to consult a veterinarian. Since individual pets can have varying sensitivities to plants, keeping wallflower out of reach to avoid any potential problems is a good precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1 foot 2 inches (35 centimeters)
Spread
1 foot 2 inches (35 centimeters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: The Erysimum 'Red Jep', commonly known as Wallflower, produces flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Colorful Display: This plant offers vibrant red flowers that add a pop of color to garden beds, borders, and containers.
- Extended Blooming Period: Wallflowers are valued for their long flowering season, sometimes blooming from early spring into summer.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Wallflowers are relatively drought-tolerant and require minimal care, making them suitable for low-maintenance gardens.
- Versatile Usage: Erysimum 'Red Jep' can be used for ornamental purposes in various garden designs, including rock gardens, cottage gardens, and urban settings.
- Frost Tolerance: This variety of Wallflower is known for its hardiness and can tolerate frost, making it suitable for cooler climates.
- Easy to Grow: Wallflowers are generally easy to propagate and grow, making them beginner-friendly plants for novice gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural dye: The bright flowers of Wallflower can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, wool, or paper, offering a range of colors from yellow to brown depending on the mordant used.
- Companion planting: Wallflower can be used in gardens to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination of vegetables and other plants.
- Educational tool: Wallflower, with its bright flowers and attractive scent, makes an excellent subject for educational programs on plant biology, ecology, and horticulture.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried Wallflower blooms can be added to bouquets or floral arrangements for their vibrant color and pleasant fragrance.
- Photographic subject: Wallflower's striking appearance makes it an ideal candidate for photography enthusiasts seeking to capture the beauty of different plant species.
- Hobby gardening: Wallflower is a popular choice for hobbyists interested in cultivating ornamental plants and improving their gardening skills.
- Creative arts: Pressed Wallflower flowers can be used in crafting, scrapbooking, or as a natural embellishment for handmade cards or other artistic projects.
- Scented products: The fragrant flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes or used to make scented sachets for wardrobes and drawers.
- Garden aesthetics: Planting Wallflower can enhance the visual appeal of a garden due to its vivid foliage and flowers that come in shades of red and purple.
- Workshops and demonstration gardens: Wallflower can be featured in workshops focusing on xeriscaping and water-efficient gardening practices, highlighting drought-tolerant plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiWallflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityWallflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The 'Red Jep,' also known as Wallflower, often grows in difficult conditions on walls and rocky areas, symbolizing the ability to endure and thrive in hard situations.
- Loyalty: Wallflowers have a long blooming season which can represent steadfastness and reliability in relationships or life.
- Adversity: With its natural habitat being harsh environments, the Wallflower symbolizes overcoming challenges and standing tall in the face of adversity.
- Perseverance: The robust nature of the Wallflower, able to survive where others cannot, makes it a symbol of perseverance and continuing despite obstacles.
- Beauty: Despite growing in tough locations, Wallflowers exhibit bright, attractive colors symbolizing the presence of beauty even in less-than-ideal circumstances.
WaterWallflower 'Red Jep' should be watered regularly with about 1 inch of water per week, depending on weather conditions. To encourage deep root growth, it's best to water deeply and less frequently rather than little and often. During hot, dry periods, increase watering but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is essential to ensure good drainage. In general, provide the wallflower with approximately half a gallon of water every week, adjusting as needed for rainfall and temperature changes.
LightWallflowers like 'Red Jep' thrive in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. They perform best when planted in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. An ideal spot would be one where they are exposed to the morning sun and protected from the strong, harsh light of late afternoon.
TemperatureWallflower 'Red Jep' prefers a temperate climate and can generally handle temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F. It's a relatively hardy plant that can survive slightly cooler temperatures down to around 20°F; however, it may not survive extreme cold below this range without protection. The ideal temperature for promoting optimal growth and flowering is within the 60°F to 70°F range.
PruningPruning Wallflower 'Red Jep' encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Prune in late spring or early summer after the initial flowering to maintain shape and remove any woody stems. Cut back about one-third to one-half of the growth, focusing on older, leggy branches. Regular deadheading of spent flowers will also promote continuous blooming throughout the season. The best time for heavy pruning is immediately after the main bloom period, typically in summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWallflower 'Red Jep' thrives in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, around 7.0-8.0. A mix comprising equal parts loam, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure will promote healthy growth. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
RepottingWallflowers like 'Red Jep' do not need frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 2-3 years, or when they outgrow their current container. Spring is the best time to repot these plants.
Humidity & MistingWallflower 'Red Jep' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It does not require any special humidity adjustments and can tolerate the dry indoor air of most homes without any issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Red Jep' in a sunny spot with some afternoon shade.
Outdoor
Plant 'Red Jep' in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleErysimum 'Red Jep', commonly known as Wallflower, begins its life as a seed, which when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and exposed to sunlight and warmth, germinates in one to two weeks. Upon germination, seedlings grow developing a robust root system and foliage; during this stage, sufficient water and sunlight are crucial for healthy growth. Transitioning from the vegetative to the flowering stage, the plant produces vibrant red flowers that typically bloom in the spring through early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into elongated seed pods that eventually dry and split open to release seeds. The plant can be a short-lived perennial or biennial, meaning it will either live for a few years or complete its life cycle in two years, flowering in the second year. At the end of its life cycle, the Wallflower senesces, leaving behind seeds that can give rise to new plants the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Erysimum 'Red Jep', commonly known as Wallflower, is most popularly propagated by taking semi-ripe cuttings during late summer. To execute this, you should select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut lengths of about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters). These cuttings should be snipped just below a leaf node, and the lower leaves should be removed to leave a clean stem. Dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth and insert the cutting into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite. It's important to maintain a humid environment for the cuttings, which can be achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagation case, and keeping them in a bright place out of direct sunlight until they have rooted. After a few weeks, once the cuttings have established a sufficient root system, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into their final position in the garden.
