San francisco wallflower (Erysimum franciscanum)

Also known as: Franciscan wallflower, San Francisco wallflower

This biennial or short-lived perennial plant produces cream to yellow flowers. The blooms feature four sepals and four petals, forming a cross-like pattern typical of the Brassicaceae family. It typically flowers from late winter through late spring.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of San francisco wallflower

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30-60 cm (12-24 inches)

Spread

20-30 cm (8-12 inches)

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches)

Flower Color

Bright yellow

Images of San francisco wallflower

Quickly Identify San francisco wallflower

Erysimum franciscanum can be identified by its bright yellow flowers that are clustered in dense racemes. The plant has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are covered with fine hairs, and it often grows on rocky slopes and coastal bluffs.

Scientific Classification of San francisco wallflower

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Brassicales

Family

Cruciferae

Genus

Wallflower

Species

San francisco wallflower

Planting and Growing of San francisco wallflower

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Ceramic, Plastic

How to Water San francisco wallflower?

For Erysimum franciscanum, it's crucial to ensure the soil remains slightly moist without becoming waterlogged. Aim to saturate the soil to about 75% of its holding capacity. This plants grows well with about 500 ml of water per session during the growing season to keep it healthy and hydrated.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered San francisco wallflower? ›

What should I do if my San francisco wallflower is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered San francisco wallflower? ›

How to save an overwatered San francisco wallflower? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for San francisco wallflower?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Erysimum franciscanum is best suited to full sun to partial sunlight conditions, ensuring vigorous blooming and growth. Suitable light exposure supports strong stem development and maximizes flower yield.

Optimal Light Duration ›

Solution to Achieve Ideal Light ›

Benefits of Ideal Lighting ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for San francisco wallflower?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Erysimum franciscanum thrives best within a temperature range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature band ensures optimal growth, flowering, and photosynthesis. Maintaining temperatures within this range supports healthy leaves and vibrant blooms. Deviations from this range can result in stress, reduced growth, and potential for disease.

What Soil is Best for San francisco wallflower?

Soil type: Sandy loam, Loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Erysimum franciscanum thrives in well-draining soil that provides optimal root aeration and prevents waterlogging. This helps the plant to avoid root rot and supports healthy growth by ensuring proper oxygen access to the roots. A soil rich in organic matter benefits Erysimum franciscanum by supplying essential nutrients that promote robust growth and vibrant blooms. Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure can enhance soil fertility naturally. While Erysimum franciscanum prefers well-draining soil, it also requires a moderate level of moisture to sustain its growth. Regular watering ensures the soil remains adequately moist without becoming soggy.

How to Fertilize San francisco wallflower?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Erysimum franciscanum, a modest amount of fertilizer is recommended. When using liquid fertilizer, dilute it to half the suggested strength to avoid potential root burn. For granular slow-release fertilizers, apply at a rate of about 1 pound per 100 square feet. This ensures that the plant gets the necessary nutrients without overwhelming its system.

How to Prune San francisco wallflower?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by removing any dead or diseased stems to improve airflow and prevent the spread of disease. Cut these parts back to the base or nearest healthy bud. Trim back branches that have outgrown the desired shape of the plant. Use your shears to shape the plant into a neat, rounded form. This will encourage even growth and blooming. Prune the plant just above a bud to encourage branching and a fuller appearance. Avoid cutting more than a third of the plant at a time to prevent shock. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate San francisco wallflower plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Late spring, Early spring

Place seed trays in a warm and sunny spot and fill them with a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the soil is moist before planting the seeds.

Scatter the seeds evenly across the surface of the moist soil. Cover them lightly with additional soil to a recommended depth and mist gently with water.

Select healthy stems and cut them using sterilized scissors. Insert the cuttings into a pot with a suitable rooting medium to encourage root development.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot San francisco wallflower plant?

Repotting frequency: Every two years

Erysimum franciscanum shows clear signs when it needs repotting. Look for roots protruding from the drainage holes, slow growth, or soil that dries too quickly. These indicators suggest it's time for more space and nutrients.

Select a pot that is 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Ensure the pot has good drainage holes to prevent water stagnation, which can cause root rot. A terracotta pot is ideal for its breathability.

Opt for a well-draining sandy loam. This soil type mimics its natural habitat, preventing waterlogged roots and promoting healthy growth. The ease of drainage helps in keeping root diseases at bay.