We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Wallflower?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,379
Share

A wallflower is a plant in the genus Erysimum, a medium-sized botanical genus placed in the mustard family. The common name, a reference to the fact that these plants often grow in loose mortar in cracks on walls, dates to the 1500s. Members of this genus are distributed all over the world in a variety of climates, and several species are cultivated as ornamentals in gardens. People who would like to grow wallflowers can find seeds and seedlings at nurseries or through catalogs. It is also possible to obtain them from other gardeners with established plants.

Members of the Erysimum genus are variable in appearance. Wallflowers bloom in colors like white, purple, or yellow, with the flowers appearing in clusters like those of other members of the mustard family. The foliage is usually small and simple and members of this genus tend to grow low to the ground, with an erect, slightly leggy growth habit. Some wallflower species are annuals, while others grow perennially in the right climate.

Like many members of the mustard family, the wallflower is adapted to grow in adverse conditions. The plants prefer full to partial sun and will grow in coarse soil with low nutrients. The tendency to grow in mortar and cracks is illustrative of the fact that these plants will grow in very harsh conditions. Some species provide a source of nectar for butterflies and are of interest to bees and other insects, and wallflower foliage is also edible for animals like deer and rabbits.

In the garden, wallflowers can be grown as specimen or massed plantings. They are suitable for low water gardening, as well as gardening in areas with poor soil and salty conditions. The plants will reseed themselves if they are annuals, and often thrive on relatively minimal care. The colorful blooms and upright stems can add color to the garden in areas where other plants may have difficulty growing. Wallflowers are also suitable for container gardening and can be grown in hanging baskets and window boxes.

The slang term “wallflower” in reference to women without dance partners dates to the 1800s. It appears to be a reference to the plants known as wallflowers, and their tendency to cling to walls and fences rather than growing out in the open. Generically, this common name is sometimes applied to other plant genera and species with a fondness for growing in, on, or along walls.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-wallflower.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.