About
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. A tall perennial, to 1m, normally grown for greenhouse display. Alternatively will flower in early summer from a spring sowing.
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 pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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
PruningCut back the main spike once flowers have faded to encourage side shoots to flower too
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceSusceptible to aphids, caterpillars, slugs and snails, plus flea beetles and cabbage root fly outdoors
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, grey moulds and root rots, and club root outdoors