Wallflower Ruby Gem

Erysimum cheiri 'Ruby Gem' Crimson Wallflower 'Ruby Gem'

The jewel-like crimson Wallflower — flowers that open fiery red and mature to deep ruby-crimson (RHS-confirmed colour development), carrying the intense clove Wallflower fragrance. 'Ruby Gem' is the dramatic crimson cottage biennial that pairs superbly with near-black tulips for designer-quality spring drama. RHS Plants for Pollinators.

This is the cottage Wallflower in deep jewel-tone crimson. 'Ruby Gem' has a distinctive colour-development character: flowers open in fiery-red and mature progressively to a deep saturated ruby-crimson, meaning a planting displays multiple shades simultaneously as new buds open above older flowers. The colour evolution is one of the variety's most photogenic qualities. The flowers carry the intense traditional clove Wallflower fragrance — particularly outstanding because the deep crimson colour combines with the warm spice scent for a powerful sensory cottage experience. Hardy biennial (H5). RHS Plants for Pollinators. Compact bushy habit reaching 30–40cm. Flowers March–May.

A note on growing

Standard Wallflower biennial cycle:

• Sow outdoors May–July (Year 1)
• Pinch growing tip for bushy habit
• Transplant September–October
• Flowers March–May Year 2

⚠️ Toxicity note: all parts are poisonous if ingested.

Where it shines

In cottage borders for deep jewel-tone spring drama — 'Ruby Gem' provides the cottage red that pairs unusually beautifully with dark tulips and other moody spring companions. As underplanting for spring bulbs, particularly outstanding with near-black Tulip 'Queen of Night' for a designer-quality crimson-and-black spring combination. Near paths and doorways for the fragrance. In wildlife gardens for the early-spring bumblebee value. As a cut flower for dramatic warm-tone spring posies.

Plant alongside

The textbook designer combination: pair 'Ruby Gem' with Tulip 'Queen of Night' — the crimson Wallflower rising against the near-black tulips is one of the most photographed combinations in modern English garden design. For warm cottage tonal layering, combine with Wallflower 'Fire King' (matching warm cottage drama in deeper orange-red) and Wallflower 'Cloth of Gold' (matching cottage palette in gold). With Forget-me-not 'Blue' for cool contrast at ground level.