Matthiola incana Wisley selection
stock Wisley selection
A tall perennial, to 1m, normally grown for greenhouse display. From an autumn sowing it produces overwintering rosettes of grey-green foliage, followed in spring by loosely-branched panicles of sweetly-scented, single or double pink flowers. Alternatively will flower in early summer from a spring sowing
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a cool greenhouse, or in a sheltered, sunny position in well-drained soil outdoors. If sown in autumn, outdoor plants may need cloche protection. Otherwise sow in spring
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back the main spike once flowers have faded to encourage side shoots to flower too
Pests
Susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, slugs and snails, plus flea beetles and cabbage root fly outdoors
Diseases
May be affected by a downy mildew, grey moulds and root rots, plus club root outdoors
Get involved
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