Choosing The Right Plant Of Your Garden

ERYSIMUM

 Formerly listed under Cheiranthus, this genus i consists of 80 or so annuals, perennials, and subshrubs. Erysimum species are found mainly in Europe, western Asia, and western North America, and are popularly known as wallflowers. They have simple narrow leaves, are mainly evergreen, and range from rockery dwarfs to medium-sized shrubs. Flower stems, tall in the larger species, appear mainly over spring and summer, and also in winter in mild. Climates. The heads carry dense clusters of small 4-petalled blooms that are often richly fragrant. The petals are usually yellow but may also be orange, red, or mauve. The old genus name, Cheiranthus, meaning "hand-flower," refers to the custom dating to the middle Ages when the sweetly scented flowers were often carried in the hand at festivals and events.

CULTIVATION

Wallflowers like cool summers and mild winters. Plant in a sunny open position in moist well-drained soil. If perennials become woody they should be cut back hard. Annuals are raised from seed; perennials are propagated from cuttings of non-flowering stems.

ABOVE LEFT:-Low-growing Erysimum kotschyanum is native to Turkey. Throughout the flowering season, bright golden yellow flowers appear among the densely clustered dull green leaves.

ABOVE: - In favorable climates, Erysimum 'Bowles' Mauve' can flower throughout the year. Appearing among the gray-green leaves, the dark purple-black buds open to reveal bright mauve flowers.

ESCHSCHOLZIA

Native to western North America and now widely naturalized, this poppy family (Papaveraceae) genus is made up of around 8 annuals and short-lived perennials. Commonly known as California poppies, they have fine feathery foliage, which is often a rather grayish green, and in summer produce masses of bright, golden yellow, 4- to 8-petalled blooms that only open on sunny days. Modern seed strains flower in a wide color range. Long seed capsules follow. The genus was named in 1820 after Johann Friedrich Eschscholz (1793-1831), leader of the Russian expedition on which it was first collected in 1816. The seeds were among the many taken to England by the Scottish botanist David Douglas.

CULTIVATION

Very easily grown in any sunny position in light, gritty, well-drained soil, Eschscholzia species often self-sow and naturalize, especially in gravel riverbeds. Most are very frost hardy and tolerate poor soil. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Raise from seed in spring, which is best sown directly where the plants are to grow as they do not transplant well.

 

ABOVE: - The lovely clear yellow flowers of Eschscholzia lobbii are followed by fruit with rough seeds. These charming flowers close up in overcast weather.

RIGHT:-A brilliant scarlet when they first bloom, the open single flowers of Eschscholzia californica 'Single Red' gradually turn a vibrant orange-red.

Top Tip

Undemanding annuals, these plants are ideal for filling large areas of ground with color. They require little care and reward with colorful blooms.