Matthiola incana
Brompton stock
A woody-based perennial, sometimes short-lived, with narrow, grey-green foliage. Upright spikes of sweet-scented pink, mauve, purple, violet or white flowers, up to 2.5cm across, are produced in late spring and early summer. Many cultivars of this species are grown as annual or biennial bedding plants, or for cut flowers
Other common names
cluster-leaved stockcommon stock
see morehoary stock
hopes
queen's stock
wallflower stock
gilliflower
Synonyms
Matthiola incana 'Brompton'Matthiola arborescens
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Purple White | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Matthiola can be annuals, perennials or subshrubs, with simple or lobed leaves and dense terminal racemes or panicles of fragrant, 4-petalled flowers
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a sunny, sheltered bed where the soil is well-drained and neutral to slightly alkaline
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in gentle heat in early spring or sow in midsummer and protect young plants over winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Susceptible to aphids, flea beetles and cabbage root fly
Diseases
May be affected by club root, a downy mildew, root rot and a virus
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