Erysimum scoparium

A charming Wallflower from the Canary Islands, which once grown will convince you that all others are inferior. Ever-blooming spikes of small lilac flowers on slender stems hover above fine, grey-green foliage, forming a low dense shrub considerably wider than it is tall. Ideal at the foot of bare legged Roses or other shrubs, breaking up the edge of paths, driveways, car parks or anywhere a high tolerance of reflected heat is required. Looks good when planted with absolutely anything, though other Mediterranean type plants like Euphorbia characias, Cistus or Ballota may be more ideologically appropriate. At home with summer drought and poor, very sunny, well drained, alkaline soil, it will none the less grow quite happily in all but the wettest, shadiest sites. Undemanding in terms of maintenance, spent flower heads virtually disappear, an occasional light trim will sharpen it's outline, otherwise prune as required.