Are you looking to add a splash of color to your garden during the cooler months in San Antonio, Texas? Look no further than the delightful Erysimum, commonly known as wallflowers. These charming plants are a must-have for any garden enthusiast seeking vibrant blooms during fall, winter, and early spring, when many other plants have gone dormant or ceased to bloom.
One of the standout features of wallflowers is their impressive cold hardiness. They thrive in the mild fall and winter of San Antonio, offering a spectacular display of color when most gardens are lacking in blooms, and can tolerate frosts and temps in the 20’s and even a little below I will say, the year of the dreaded Snovid, when the cold temperatures decimated the majority of our plants, especially the bloomers, my wallflowers peeked back out from under the cover of snow and kept putting out blooms until it got hot again. True story. (I live in within the city limits of North San Antonio.)
Wallflowers are not only visually stunning but also come in a variety of captivating colors, ranging from rich purples and sultry reds to sunny yellows and warm oranges. These hues can brighten up any garden space, making them a perfect choice for those looking to maintain a lively and colorful garden year-round.. Many varieties of Erysimum are also known for their delightful fragrance, adding another dimension of sense to your garden that will attract both human admirers and pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Wallflowers are tolerant of our alkaline soil, so long as they are planted in an area that drains well. For best blooms, plant these perennials in a sunny location, although they can tolerate some partial shade. Wallflowers only reach heights of 12 to 18 inches and spread about 12 to 15 inches wide. Despite their smaller stature, they pack a punch with their colorful blooms. To ensure they have enough space to flourish, it’s recommended to plant them approximately 12 inches apart.
Beyond their beauty and hardiness, wallflowers are relatively low-maintenance plants. They require minimal care, making them ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage prolonged flowering, helping you keep your garden vibrant with color for as long as possible.
Incorporating wallflowers into your garden is a decision you won’t regret. Many people do not yet know how well these thrive here in San Antonio. They definitely should be planted more often and their amazing performance should be shared amongst gardeners in our city. Their stunning colors, pleasant fragrance, and resilience to cooler temperatures make them the perfect addition to brighten up your outdoor space. Whether you’re planting them along pathways, in flower beds, or as a cheerful border, wallflowers are sure to bring joy and beauty to your garden throughout the seasons.
Give them a try this year. Bet you won’t be disappointed.
~The Happy Gardener, Lisa Mulroy
