Canaries Yellow

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

Order

Brassicales

Genus

Erysimum

Species

hybridum

Description

Ornamental herbaceous perennial with a compact, bushy habit, appreciated for its abundant and prolonged flowering, among the first to bring colour and liveliness to gardens and terraces from the end of winter. The elegance of the terminal inflorescences with a compound spike, with a delicate fragrance and well liked by insects beneficial to biodiversity, also give it a focal role in compositions mixed with other flowering species. Easy to cultivate, it requires well-drained soil and regular fertilisation.

Variety description

Perennial plant with a very long-lasting scalar flowering in the winter-spring period. The characteristic feature of the flower spike is that it bears berries with seeds.

Curiosities and special features

The name of the botanical genus derives from the Greek erysmós meaning defence or rescue, referring to the supposed medicinal properties of some species.

Origin and distribution

Hybrid obtained by crossing different species belonging to the botanical genus Erysimum.

Flower size

The flower is individually small, giving elegance to the inflorescence in which it is grouped.

Leaf

The leaves have an elongated, narrow lamina.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from late winter to summer for between 90 and 120 days, giving colour to your outdoor green spaces for a long period of the year.

Inflorescence

Compound spike inflorescence borne at the top of the stems giving high ornamental value.

Leaf colour

The intense solid colour of the foliage emphasises the bright hue of the inflorescences.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.2 to 0.3 m, perfect both for creating homogeneous groups and in mixed compositions with other ornamental plants of different development in order to create perspective views of significant landscape value.

Lifespan

Evergreen or semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial.

Where to plant

Due to its bushy, compact habit and its inflorescences that persist for a long time, even during the coldest months, it is suitable as a herbaceous plant for flower beds, planters.

Stem

The stems are herbaceous; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, small in size, with a bell-shaped corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in medium-sized compound spike inflorescences. It flowers from late winter to summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It has hints of honey and is lightly scented, with a delicate aroma. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

Compact-growing variety, ideal for creating compositions even mixed with other ornamental grasses that are proportionate and scenic.

Plant habit

It develops an erect habitus, visually reinforced by the colourful inflorescences.

PH

It prefers a slightly acidic soil or substrate pH between 6.0 and 6.5.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting, carry out light digging, removing any previous crop residues, weeds and bulky stones. Add professional substrate to the surface to a height of approx. 5/10 cm and carefully level out.

Sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in half shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 20 °C. The vital temperature is between 0 .0 and 30 °C.

Use

The warm, bright tones of the inflorescences that provide vitality even during some of the coldest months of the year make it particularly popular in:

Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Variety of medium hardiness, easy to grow and demanding in terms of fertilisation.

Soil

It prefers a peaty, light soil with adequate drainage; for use in planters, use a substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite.

Difficulty

Cultivation ofErysimum hybridum is extremely easy, acquiring further value for use.

Growing tips

In order to achieve correct vegetative development and abundant flowering, the following variety-specific cultivation conditions must be considered:

In summer, it is preferable to place the plants in sunny sites only in the morning or in shade during the hottest hours. Always maintain an abundant fertilisation to avoid yellowing of the vegetation.

Combinations with other plants

Ideal for compact and colourful ornamental compositions, also in combination with flowerings 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 Yarrow, Artemisia, Phlomis fruticosa and Nepeta . Even in a smaller space such as planters or tubs, it can be inserted alternately with plants with green or variegated foliage or by combining, as in a garden, species with flowers in different shades.

Planting

For planting in flowerbeds we recommend an average density of 20 plants per square metre in order to ensure proper development of each specimen and thus obtain a harmonious and proportionate final composition. We suggest placing each seedling with the collar outside the soil surface, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding completely sinking the root balls, which must be well moistened; finally, water immediately after planting without causing water stagnation.

Propagation

Propagation is by apical cuttings or from seed.

Watering

Supply rainwater, alternatively from aqueducts with optimal sub-acidic pH, manually or by irrigation directly to the substrate or soil. Immediately after transplanting intervene with balanced supplies free from saturation conditions and assist the seedling in the first stages of development in the new planting site. After correct planting, allow the substrate or soil to dry out slightly after each watering, but avoid drying out in order to avoid yellowing of the leaves. It is also advisable not to overdo the water supply in order to prevent stagnation, which can encourage the development of fungal diseases and subsequent root rot.

Fertilising

After complete establishment in the new planting site, fertilise regularly by diluting specific ornamental plant fertiliser in the soil or substrate with irrigation water. If the plant is poorly fertilised, growth and flowering are restricted and the basal leaves tend to yellow.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

Always fertilise well in order to have a long and lasting flowering without yellowing of the leaves.