About
A compact annual or biennial, to 75cm in height, with oblong, grey-green leaves. Dense panicles of sweetly scented, lilac-blue double flowers appear in late spring and summer. A blue-flowered selection.
About the genus
Matthiola can be annuals, perennials or subshrubs, with simple or lobed leaves and dense terminal racemes or panicles of fragrant, 4-petalled flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a sunny, sheltered bed where the soil is well-drained and neutral to slightly alkaline
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in gentle heat in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, flea beetles and cabbage root fly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to club root, downy mildews, root rot and a virus