Flower Library
Wallflower
Erysimum cheiri · Brassicaceae
The wallflower is one of the oldest and most fragrant spring flowers of all: dense flower clusters in warm gold, copper and mahogany tones, paired with a sweet, spicy scent reminiscent of violet and honey. It is a nostalgic cut flower with a short, precious season — we fetch it freshly cut at the Veiling Rhein-Maas while it is available in spring.
- Season
- April – May – June
- Vase life
- 6–9 days
- Latin name
- Erysimum cheiri
- Colors
- Golden yellow, Orange, Copper, Mahogany red, Bordeaux, Purple, Cream
Botanically the wallflower (formerly listed as Cheiranthus cheiri, today Erysimum cheiri) belongs to the cabbage family (Brassicaceae) and is thus closely related to stocks, candytuft and mustard. Characteristic are the four-petalled, cross-shaped flowers arranged in loose clusters along upright stems. They open in succession from bottom to top, so the cluster stays fresh-looking over days.
For a spring flower the colour palette is unusually deep and warm: from the classic golden yellow that gave the plant its German name, through glowing orange and copper to velvety mahogany red and dark bordeaux. Popular garden varieties such as the „Bedder“ series, „Blood Red“, „Cloth of Gold“ or the compact „Sugar Rush“ types also supply the cut-flower range, which stands out in this rich colour depth among the delicate pastel blooms of spring.
In floristry we value the wallflower above all for its scent and its warm colour effect. Just a few stems perfume an entire table with their honey-sweet, slightly spicy aroma. We like to use it in spring mixed bouquets, where its earthy tones form a lovely contrast to cool tulips, daffodils and blue grape hyacinths. Because of its short season it is a small connoisseur's piece that we deliberately offer because it brings joy — not because it sells in volume.
A quality marker when buying: the lower blooms of the cluster should just be fully open while the tip is still in bud — then the wallflower keeps opening in the vase. We avoid stems with yellow lower leaves or an already wilting cluster base. Stylistically the wallflower suits romantic, rustic and vintage-inspired arrangements; it harmonises with ranunculus, anemones, sweet peas and fine spring greenery.
Care
- 01Cut stems at an angle and trim the lower, slightly woody stem end generously so water uptake is not blocked.
- 02Remove all leaves in the water zone — like all crucifers the wallflower is sensitive to rotting foliage and cloudy water.
- 03Change the water every 1–2 days and rinse the vase; fresh, cool water keeps the fragrant blooms fresher for longer.
- 04Place cool and out of direct sun; avoid proximity to heaters, draughts and ripening fruit, as the ripening gas ages the blooms quickly.
- 05Add a little flower food to the water so the upper buds of the cluster open too.
- 06Stand the bouquet somewhere cool overnight (such as the hallway) — this noticeably extends the already short vase life.
Frequently asked
- How long does wallflower last in the vase?
- Wallflower is a rather short-lived cut flower and lasts about 6 to 9 days with fresh stems and clean water. Frequent water changes and a cool spot are decisive, because the stems react sensitively to warm, cloudy water.
- Is wallflower toxic to cats, dogs or children?
- Yes, wallflower is considered toxic. All parts of the plant, especially seeds and leaves, contain cardiac glycosides (cheirotoxin, cheiranthin). As the plant tastes bitter, large amounts are rarely ingested in practice; usually it stays at gastrointestinal upset with nausea and vomiting, and only with larger ingestion can heart rhythm disturbances occur. To be safe, keep vases out of reach of pets and small children.
- When is wallflower in season as a cut flower?
- The main season is in spring, roughly from April to June. In this short window we get the wallflower fresh and in its finest colour depth at the Veiling Rhein-Maas — outside this time it is barely available as a cut flower.
- Why does wallflower smell so intensely?
- The sweet, spicy scent, reminiscent of violet and honey, is among the strongest of the spring flowers and is most intense during the day in warmth. Just a few stems suffice to perfume an entire room — one reason the wallflower is so beloved despite its short vase life.