I'm once again joining Loree of
danger garden in sharing my favorite plant of the week. This one isn't remotely exotic or unusual. However, it is a good, reliable performer in my garden. It's
Erysimum linifolium 'Variegatum,' a variegated form of the common wallflower. I value it because it's resilient and attractive in and out of flower. At present, it's not flowering but the leaves shine bright, even on the gray mornings that have greeted us for the last few days.
I have 4 of these plants circling the square fountain in our backyard. All but one are doing well there with just a little judicious pruning following bloom cycles. The fourth stands between our raccoon visitors and their preferred path to the fountain, where they regularly snatch sea shells from the top tier. I recently added repellent around the base of the plant in an effort (probably hopeless) to keep the raccoons at bay.
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| Erysimum linifolium 'Variegatum' planted at the base of the fountain |
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| Erysimum on the other side of the fountain bordered by scraggly Cuphea hyssopifolia |
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| This Erysimum has faced frequent raccoon stompings |
There are 3 more
Erysimum in the back border. They're not quite as full as those surrounding the fountain right now but they also get somewhat less water and attention.
None are flowering at the moment but they do produce small lavender/mauve flowers, as shown in the picture below taken last winter.
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| Erysimum liniformium 'Variegatum' photographed in flower in early February |
Erysimum grows in full sun or light shade. This variety is hardy in USDA zones 3a-9b (Sunset zones 4-6 and 14-24) and grows to 2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide with moderate water.
To see Loree's favorite of the week and connect to other gardeners' favorites,
click here to visit danger garden.
