Erysimum capitatum (Coastal Wallflower)

Erysimum capitatum (Coastal Wallflower) is an erect biennial or short-lived perennial boasting densely crowded clusters of orange, yellow, or reddish flowers atop leafy upright stems from late spring to mid-summer. Providing weeks of color, the four-petalled flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Erysimum capitatum (Coastal Wallflower) is an erect biennial or short-lived perennial boasting densely crowded clusters of orange, yellow, or reddish flowers atop leafy upright stems from late spring to mid-summer. Providing weeks of color, the four-petalled flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The blossoms give way to 4-angled seed pods. Although short-lived, Coastal Wallflower has a strong tendency to self-seed and keeps a presence in the garden. The foliage of narrow oblong leaves, 3 in. long (7 cm) appears in a basal rosette and along the stems. Showy in a wildflower garden, Coastal Wallflower looks great when planted in swathes or drifts, or interspersed with other water-wise plants.

  • Grows up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 6-12 in. wide (15-30 cm). 
  • Performs best in full sun in dry to medium, alkaline, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established. Tolerates light shade and poor soils.
  • Easy to grow, this plant can be used in rock gardens, native plant gardens, or naturalized areas.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Cut back spent flowering stems only after the seed has been harvested or has ripened and fallen to the ground.
  • Propagate by seed in late summer or early fall.
  • Native to western North America.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 7

Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials
Plant Family Erysimum – Wallflowers
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid)
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 6"
– 1'
(15cm
– 30cm)
Spacing 6″
– 12″
(15cm
– 30cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Alaska, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, New York, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage