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Annual Biennial

Malcolmia maritima

Virginia stock

M. maritima is an upright annual to 40cm, with narrow, greyish-green leaves and spikes of very fragrant red, purple or white flowers from late spring to autumn

Other common names
Mediterranean stock
Synonyms
Cheiranthus maritimus

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Red White Green Grey Silver
Summer Purple Red White Green Grey Silver
Autumn Purple Red White Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Brassicaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Malcolmia can be annuals or perennials, with narrow, simple or pinnately lobed leaves and short racemes of 4-petalled, purple or white flowers from spring to autumn

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, with some shade from midday sun. Sow seed early to ensure good flowering

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in succession from mid-spring onwards

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and flea beetles

Diseases

May be susceptible to a downy mildew

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