Description
Cheiranthus allionii (Cheiranthus x marshallii) | Siberian Wallflower
Cheiranthus allionii and Cheiranthus x marshallii, are the same plant – the Siberian Wallflower. As the name might suggest, it didn’t come from Siberia, and is not a naturally occurring species; it’s a cross between Erysimum perofskianum and Erysimum decumbens, bred by John Marshall in 1846. It’s important in horticulture because it’s the precursor to a number of varieties of wallflowers.
Siberian Wallflowers are showy, erect biennial or short-lived perennials that are often cultivated for their clusters of bright orange, wonderfully fragrant, 4-petaled flowers that bloom in spring. Cheiranthus allionii grows foliage the first year and flowers during the second. A European native, Siberian Wallflowers have excellent cold hardiness and thrive in damp, cool coastal regions or higher altitudes. Grow 10-18 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Prefers full sun and is adaptable to a wide range of soils.
The vivid flowers have brightened up beds, borders, and pollinator gardens for over a century, and artracts butterflies and bees!
Direct sow seeds in spring in in cooler zones, or in the fall in warmer zones, or start indoors with heat, humidity, and light. Will self seed, coming back year after year.
Makes a great cut flower, looks good in dried arrangements, in potpourri, and is used as a fabric dye, too.
Type: Biennial or perennial
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: 10-18 inches
Mature width: 4-12 inches
Hardiness zones: 3-9
