Erysimum cheiri Colour Vibe Purple - Perpetual wallflower

Erysimum 'Colour Vibe Purple' is a perennial wallflower that adorns flower beds and containers with its large purple flowers. This variety also has a lovely bushy and upright habit, abundant and fragrant flowering and natural resistance to diseases and drought. Adapted to well-drained soils, even poor ones, it can be grown equally well in pots or in the garden. Its very stable colour adds depth to spring displays, and its ease of cultivation suits all gardeners.

Erysimum ‘Colour Vibe Purple’ (Cdcery3) PP 36 581) belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This wallflower is derived from the species Erysimum cheiri (formerly Cheiranthus cheiri). It is a herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean regions of Southern Europe, particularly the cliffs and limestone screes of south-eastern France, Spain and northern Italy. This cultivar is part of the Colour Vibe series, the result of a long breeding programme carried out by British breeder Charles Carr. All plants in this series produce flowers with bright, long-lasting colours and good resistance; they have a compact structure and are easy to grow.

‘Colour Vibe Purple’ forms an upright, very branched clump and maintains a good appearance throughout flowering. The plant reaches between 50 and 70 cm in height and spread. Its life cycle is that of a herbaceous perennial, but it is often grown as a biennial or a short-lived perennial. It may become bare after two or three seasons; in well-drained soil and mild climate, it can persist for several years. The evergreen foliage is composed of narrow, lanceolate leaves, dark green with a silvery sheen. The abundant and early flowering begins in spring (March) and lasts until early summer. It takes the form of clusters of large flowers of a very stable intense purple which doesn't fade. The flowers are fragrant and nectar-rich,  attracting pollinators. This variety is hardy down to –7 °C in very well-drained soil. It was "shortlisted" at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show upon its introduction in 2023.

Erysimum ‘Colour Vibe Purple’ works well both in pots and in the ground, in borders, rock gardens, or flower beds. Its purple hue allows for rich plant associations. In a container display, it pairs well with purple tulips (‘Purple Prince’), muscari armeniacum or white narcissi (‘Thalia’) for a luminous contrast.