Erysimum is a genus of flowering plants in the Brassicaceae (mustard family), found in a range of habitats across the northern hemisphere. It includes more than 150 species including cabbage, broccoli, and alyssum. They are native to Europe, Southwest Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa, Micronesia, and North America through Costa Rica.  The genus name Erysimum is derived from the Greek word ‘Eryo’ meaning to drag.

Wallflowers are herbaceous annuals or perennials some sub-shrubs. The perennial species are short-lived and in cultivation treated as biennials. The leaves are narrow and sessile. Different Erysimum species are used as food plants by the larvae of some lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) species, beetles, bugs and grasshoppers.

Erysimum linifolium is native to Portugal and Spain. Erysimum linifolium ‘Variegatum’ is a selected variety of this species. It is an evergreen shrubby perennial growing up to 40 cm high and width.

Short stems of Variegated Wallflower completely covered with arched fountain of narrow evergreen leaves margined in bright white. This plant features showy clusters of fragrant, lilac-purple flowers rising above the foliage from early spring to autumn. Plant blooms over a long season, sometimes all winter in warm coastal areas. Plants develop a woody base and should be sheared back to 15-20 cm in midsummer to promote autumn flowering, also maintain a compact habit. Drought tolerant once established.

Erysimum linifolium ‘Variegatum’ does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. Although prefers alkaline soils, does not particular to soil type. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution, drought, heat and seashore. Plant withstands to -15 °C. Does not need a lot of water ones established at the garden. Propagation of variegated variety, can be done by stem cuttings. It grows at a fast rate, and tends to be biennial, meaning that it puts on vegetative growth the first year, flowers the second years and then dies.

Use in Landscape: Variegated Wallflower is recommended for mass planting, border edging, general garden use, and container planting. It is also suitable plant for xeriscapic gardening. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 35-40 cm apart.

Erysimum linifolium ‘Variegatum’ is a nice choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. A good drainage needed when used in pots. It is can be used for attracting bees and butterflies, also used as cut flower. Variegated Wallflower accumulates cardiac glycosides, a class of phytochemicals with an ecological importance in insect defense.