About

An upright annual to 40cm, with narrow, greyish-green leaves and spikes of very aromatic red, purple or white flowers from late spring to autumn.

About the 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

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden
Native toW Albania to W Greece
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, with some shade from midday sun. Sow seed early to ensure good flowering
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in succession from mid-spring onwards
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and flea beetles
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews