Bring a gorgeous purple into your spring garden with the Bowles' Mauve wallflower. Hardy throughout the UK, down to -15°C.
Stately bright purple flowers bloom on tall stems above a compact bed of evergreen foliage. A bee buzzes by. The surrounding blooms nod in the breeze. Life is good. This Wallflower has been awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society, is included onits list of Plants for Pollinators, and was shortlisted for Chelsea Plant of the Centenary for 1973-82. With this testimony to its all-round garden performance, and its beautiful mauve colour, what's not to love?
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Short-lived evergreen perennial
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Flower: bushy upright growth
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Can flower March to September; foliage year-round.
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Scientific Name
Erysimum linifolium 'Bowles's Mauve' (flax-leaved blistercress, cultivar: Bowles' mauve)
Common Name
Wallflower, Purple Wallflower, Perennial Wallflower, Bowles' Mauve Wallflower, Erysimum linifolium glaucum
Origin
This European native is originally from the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal)
Pruning Tips
Trim back after flowering to prevent stems becoming leggy
Wildlife Value
Valuable source of nectar for bees, including bumblebees, and butterflies, amongst other pollinators.
Positioning
Plant in full sun, with some shelter from the wind.
Water
Drought-tolerant once established, this plant only needs watering in very dry weather.
Soil
Avoid clay soils; your wallflower will be happy as long as its soil is well-draining, and is happy in poorer quality soil.
Food
A small feed to give this plant a boost in Spring will be appreciated - too much can reduce flower production.
Pet-safe
No - it is mildly toxic and can cause tummy upsets so if this is a concern, steer clear or keep out of reach of pets.
Sprouts Top Tips
For the best display, plant in groups and pair with other sun-loving perennials like salvias and lavender to create a vibrant, pollinator-friendly border.
Extras
This plant has been given the RHS' prestigious Award of Garden Merit for its stellar all-round performance in the garden.
