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Annual Biennial

Matthiola longipetala subsp. bicornis

night-scented stock

A sprawling annual with small, grey-green leaves and loose sprays of white, pale purple, mid-purple, or pink flowers which are strongly-fragrant at night

Other common names
evening stock
Grecian stock
see moreperfume plant
night-scented violet
Synonyms
Matthiola bicornis
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Pink Purple White Green Grey Silver
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical 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 situ in spring, and repeated later for a succession of flowers

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally problem free

Get involved

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