Erysimum ‘Winter Orchid’

Description

Erysimum ‘Winter Orchid’ is a charming perennial known for its beautifully scented flowers in shades of orange, red and purple. With the right care, Erysimum ‘Winter Orchid’ will reward you with vibrant colour and fragrance throughout the spring and early summer. Follow this detailed planting guide to help this Erysimum thrive in your garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Erysimum ‘Winter Orchid’ is in spring, once the soil begins to warm. Planting at this time allows strong root establishment ahead of its early flowering season.
• Autumn: Alternatively, plant in early autumn to allow it to settle before winter dormancy, ensuring vigorous growth the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Choose a sunny position, as Erysimum ‘Winter Orchid’ performs best with ample light to encourage abundant flowering and strong growth.
• Soil: Select free-draining soil, as Erysimum is sensitive to waterlogged conditions. Improve drainage by incorporating compost or grit where needed.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot but no deeper. This gives Erysimum ‘Winter Orchid’ room for its roots to spread.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix organic matter into the removed soil to boost fertility and drainage.
3. Planting: Place your Erysimum in the hole, keeping the top of the root ball level with the soil surface. Backfill gently and firm the soil.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots, ensuring excess water can drain freely.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Erysimum is moderately tolerant of dry spells. Water during prolonged dry periods, allowing the soil to slightly dry between sessions.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly, only giving moisture if the soil becomes overly dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring to support new growth and promote abundant flowering on Erysimum ‘Winter Orchid’.
• Mid-Summer: A light feed mid-season helps maintain vigour and prolongs its bloom period.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove faded flowers. This encourages continuous flowering and keeps the plant looking fresh.
• Autumn Pruning: After flowering ends, lightly trim back the plant to maintain shape and support healthy regrowth next year.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply an organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and suppress weeds.
• Winter: Adding mulch helps protect the root system from temperature fluctuations and ensures Erysimum ‘Winter Orchid’ enters spring strong and healthy.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: The compact, bushy habit of Erysimum means staking is rarely needed. However, provide support in especially exposed spots to prevent wind damage.

Final Tips

Erysimum ‘Winter Orchid’ is a wonderfully low-maintenance perennial that brings warm, jewel-toned colour and fragrance to garden borders, containers and cottage-style plantings. By placing Erysimum ‘Winter Orchid’ in full sun, ensuring free-draining soil and following this simple care guide, you’ll enjoy its vibrant blooms from early spring into summer. Add Erysimum ‘Winter Orchid’ to your planting scheme for long-lasting beauty and effortless seasonal charm.

 

 

RHS Details

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