General Description/History

Previously called Cheiranthus, wallflowers are now classed in the Erysimum genus, but can still be called by their old name. Most garden and all cut flower wallflowers are derived from E. cheiri, and have a number of bright yellow, orange, pink and sometimes red flowers at the top of each slender, short stem. Flowers have 4 petals, and are often yellow at the top of the stem and pink at the bottom. Petals are large and often floppy.

Wallflowers are grown in the field or in polyhouses. Supplies come mostly from Victoria, Qld and NSW.

What to look for

• Buy bunches with fully open flowers.
• Avoid bunches with yellow leaves.

Flower Care

1. Keep cool at all times.
2. Strip leaves from the lower half of each stem, and wash stem ends under the tap.
3. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in water immediately.
4. Always use a preservative as this will help maintain open flowers.
5. Replace vase water with fresh preservative every day.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

May be poisonous if consumed in large quantities.

Botanical Name: Erysimum cheiri varieties

Common Names: Cheiranthus, Wallflower

Stem Length: 30 to 50 cm

Country of Origin: Southern Europe

Available Colours: Orange, Pink, Red, Yellow

Season: Winter,Spring

Availability: June,July,August,September,October,November