Sugar Rush Yellow

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

Order

Brassicales

Genus

Cheiranthus

Species

cheirii

Description

Commonly known as Violacea, it is a herbaceous plant with an erect habit and compact growth. It represents, in the ornamental sphere, a very interesting and decorative solution both to decorate small green spaces such as planters or tubs, where the fragrant flowering prevails and decorates significantly, and to create patches of colour within flowerbeds, even in compositions with other species. It tolerates the cold, requires no special care and is easy to grow in well-drained soil exposed to the sun.

Variety description

A very hardy, cold-hardy plant with elegant and long-lasting flowering from January until the end of June.

Curiosities and special features

The scientific name Cheiranthus cheirii, given to it by Linnaeus in the 18th century, derives from the words of Greek origin cheir i.e. hand and anthos i.e. flower, in reference to the inflorescence that in the Middle Ages was held in the hand in small bunches during events or festivals because of the scent they gave off as they symbolised affection for those closest to them.

Origin and distribution

Native to the Mediterranean basin, it spread throughout Europe as an ornamental species from the Middle Ages to North America; in Italy the wild species grows wild up to 1000 m above sea level in rocky environments, old walls and stony ground.

Flower size

The flower individually is small, lending elegance to the showy bloom.

Leaf

Elongated leaf blade.

Flowering period

Flowering, which is abundant and showy, lasts from early autumn to early summer for between 90 and 120 days.

Inflorescence

Flamboyant and brightly colouredscorpioid top inflorescence.

Leaf colour

solid colour, in chromatic harmony with the shades of the flowers.

Plant height

The plant height varies from 0.2 to 0.3 m, ideal for creating movement and perspective in mixed, even informal flowerbeds, as a foreground or background plant.

Lifespan

Biennial variety.

Where to plant

Suitable for decorating green spaces with a high decorative value such as flower beds, tubs

Stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, small in size, with a funnel-shaped corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in small, scorpioid top inflorescences. It flowers from early autumn to early summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It is mildly scented, with a delicate aroma. It is attractive to bees, bumblebees and butterflies.

Growth

It shows compact growth, ideal for use in a flower bed or planter.

Plant habit

The upright habit makes it possible to create mixed compositions with other ornamental species of different heights.

Branching

It develops medium branching, giving your green spaces a pleasant decorative appearance with colourful patches of flowers in formal balance with the foliage.

PH

The ideal soil pH is between 5.5 and 6.0.

Soil preparation

Before spring transplanting into the bed, carry out light digging by removing any weeds and bulky stones, continue by burying organic matter and breaking up coarser clods. Finally, add professional-quality substrate on the surface to an average height of 5/10 cm and carefully level out.

Sun exposure

It requires full sun exposure for best vegetative development and showy flowering.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 10 and 15 °C. The vital temperature is between -3 and 40 °C

Use

Appreciated and widely used by gardeners and hobbyists in
Ornamental

Hardiness

It has medium rusticity, adapting to soil and climatic conditions that are not always suitable for other ornamental species.

Soil

The ideal soil is medium-textured, light and well-draining; for use in pots and planters, a substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

It is easy to cultivate and manage; the level of effort required to achieve proper growth is low overall.

Growing tips

Among the cultivation measures pay particular attention to the following:

Expose the plant to maximum light Prefers cool climate Requires abundant regular fertilisation

Combinations with other plants

Ideal for compact and colourful ornamental bedding compositions, also associated with flowering plants with different heights in order to create perspective views; colour combinations can include shades of the same hue or an alternation by choosing from the different varieties available, composing designs or patterns according to personal fantasy. Colour spots or simple borders can be formed with other species such as Arabis, Armeria maritima, Berberis thunbergii, Euphorbia dulcis, Heuchera. Even in a smaller space such as pots or crates, bowls or planters, it can be placed alternately with plants with green or variegated foliage or by juxtaposing, as in the garden, species with flowers of different shades.

Planting

A suitable planting pattern in a flower bed is of primary importance in order to achieve correct vegetative development with a well-proportioned overall effect; an average density of 10 plants per square metre is recommended. Position each plant with the collar above the soil surface and water immediately after transplanting, but avoid water stagnation.

Propagation

It reproduces by seed.

Watering

Use rainwater, alternatively from the aqueduct, by hand watering or with an irrigation system. When transplanting, assist the seedling more carefully to ensure proper root development in the new site, keeping it at a constant humidity. Thereafter always keep the soil or substrate moist but at the same time avoid stagnation which can cause root rot as well as dryness leading to yellowing of the leaves.

Fertilising

Regularly apply a balanced liquid fertiliser specifically for flowering plants to the soil or substrate, diluted in the irrigation water.

Pet safety

Toxicity not known; consider the specific case and consult with your veterinarian in case of ingestion.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

May be toxic if ingested in high doses.

Tip

For an evergreen and floriferous plant, fertilise regularly with every watering or at least once a week.