Perennial Wallrocket: A Mediterranean Charmer for Your Garden
Meet perennial wallrocket, a delightful little plant that’s been quietly making itself at home in gardens across North America. While it might not be a household name like roses or tomatoes, this Mediterranean native has some surprising qualities that might just win you over – or at least make you think twice about those weeds popping up in your garden cracks.
What Exactly Is Perennial Wallrocket?
Perennial wallrocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) is a sturdy little perennial herb that belongs to the mustard family. Don’t let the name fool you – this isn’t your typical rocket lettuce, though they are related. This plant is a true survivor, thriving as a forb herb without any significant woody growth above ground.
Originally hailing from the Mediterranean region, parts of Europe, and North Africa, perennial wallrocket has established itself across a wide range of North American locations. You can find it growing wild in states from Alabama to Arizona, and from California to Connecticut, as well as in several Canadian provinces including British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec.
Should You Grow Perennial Wallrocket?
Here’s where things get interesting. As a non-native plant that readily naturalizes, perennial wallrocket sits in that gray area between garden plant and wildflower. It’s not considered invasive based on current data, but it’s definitely not native to North America either.
The Case for Growing It
- Incredibly low maintenance once established
- Drought tolerant and thrives in poor soils
- Produces cheerful clusters of small yellow flowers
- Attracts beneficial insects, small bees, and butterflies
- Self-sows readily, creating natural-looking drifts
- Edible leaves with a peppery, arugula-like flavor
Things to Consider
- It’s not native, so it won’t support native wildlife ecosystems as effectively as indigenous plants
- Can spread aggressively through self-seeding
- May outcompete more delicate native species in some areas
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re committed to native gardening, consider these alternatives that offer similar benefits:
- Wild bergamot for pollinator appeal
- Native mustards like field mustard (where native)
- Prairie dropseed for low-maintenance ground cover
- Regional wildflower mixes suited to your specific area
How to Grow Perennial Wallrocket Successfully
If you decide to give perennial wallrocket a try, you’ll find it refreshingly easy to please. This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-9, making it suitable for most temperate regions.
Perfect Growing Conditions
- Sunlight: Full sun is ideal, though it tolerates some light shade
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential – it actually prefers poor to moderately fertile conditions
- Water: Drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
- pH: Adaptable to various soil pH levels
Planting and Care Tips
Growing perennial wallrocket is almost embarrassingly simple:
- Start from seed in spring or fall – direct sowing works beautifully
- Barely cover seeds with soil; they need light to germinate
- Space plants about 6-12 inches apart
- Water regularly until established, then back off
- Deadhead flowers if you want to prevent self-seeding
- Cut back in late fall or early spring for tidier appearance
Design Ideas and Garden Roles
Perennial wallrocket shines in several garden situations:
- Rock gardens: Its compact size and drought tolerance make it perfect for tucking between stones
- Mediterranean gardens: Pairs beautifully with lavender, rosemary, and other herbs
- Cottage gardens: Adds informal charm and attracts beneficial insects
- Xeriscaping: Excellent choice for water-wise landscapes
- Edible landscapes: Young leaves can be harvested for salads
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While it may not support native wildlife as comprehensively as indigenous plants, perennial wallrocket does offer some ecological benefits. Its small yellow flowers attract various pollinators including small native bees and beneficial insects. The extended blooming period provides a consistent nectar source throughout the growing season.
The Bottom Line
Perennial wallrocket occupies an interesting niche in the gardening world. It’s not native, but it’s also not problematically invasive. It’s useful, attractive, and incredibly easy to grow. Whether you choose to embrace it or seek out native alternatives ultimately depends on your gardening philosophy and local ecosystem priorities.
If you do decide to grow it, enjoy its cheerful flowers, peppery leaves, and carefree nature. Just remember to be mindful of its self-seeding tendencies and consider the bigger picture of supporting native plant communities in your region. After all, the best gardens are those that balance personal enjoyment with environmental responsibility.
