Erysimum ‘Sunstrong Orange’ is a vibrant wallflower cultivar, celebrated for its striking orange blooms. This plant brings a burst of warm color to garden spaces, and its extended flowering period makes it a favored choice for many gardeners, offering consistent visual impact.
Unique Characteristics
Erysimum ‘Sunstrong Orange’ stands out with its intense, bright orange flowers, often described as having gold or amber overtones. These delicately scented blooms appear in showy clusters. The plant typically maintains a compact, upright spreading growth habit, reaching about 18 to 24 inches tall with a similar spread.
This wallflower is noted for its exceptionally long blooming season, often flowering from early spring through mid-fall, and sometimes even into winter in milder climates. Its resilience and heat tolerance contribute to its “Sunstrong” name. Erysimum ‘Sunstrong Orange’ is an herbaceous perennial, generally hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9 or 10.
Planting and Care
For optimal growth and abundant flowering, Erysimum ‘Sunstrong Orange’ prefers a location that receives full sun, ideally at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, more light promotes more blooms. The plant thrives in well-draining soil and prefers alkaline soils. Heavy clay should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot.
During the initial growing season, regular and deep watering is necessary for establishment. Once established, ‘Sunstrong Orange’ becomes quite drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture during dry spells can encourage more reliable blooming. Overwatering should be avoided. It generally does not require much fertilizing once established. However, a light application of a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer in early spring supports vigorous growth.
Regular pruning is beneficial for continuous flowering and maintaining the plant’s shape. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms throughout the season. Light trimming in mid-summer or after flowering can help shape the plant and promote bushier growth. In colder climates, a more extensive pruning in late winter or early spring can rejuvenate the plant.
Landscape Applications
Erysimum ‘Sunstrong Orange’ is a versatile plant for various garden settings due to its compact size and vibrant color. It is an excellent choice for mass plantings. Its relatively fine texture makes it suitable for border edging and rock or alpine gardens.
It is also ideal for containers and pots, either alone or as a “thriller” element in mixed arrangements. When growing in containers, more frequent watering may be necessary compared to in-ground plants. It serves as a bright accent plant, and its fragrant flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Common Issues
Erysimum ‘Sunstrong Orange’ is robust, but can encounter common issues. Aphids and slugs are concerns, especially on new growth. Regular inspection helps detect pests early, and insecticidal soap controls them.
Wallflowers are susceptible to powdery mildew if conditions are too damp or air circulation is poor. Adequate spacing and well-drained soil minimize this risk. If the plant appears leggy, pruning is indicated. Trimming stems by about half after blooming maintains a compact, bushy form. Preventing overcrowding and ensuring proper light exposure are important for overall plant health.