About
A sprawling annual with small, grey-green leaves and loose sprays of white, pale purple, mid-purple, or pink flowers which are strongly-perfumed at night.
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 hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a sunny, sheltered bed where the soil is well-drained and neutral to slightly alkaline
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in situ in spring, and repeated later for a succession of flowers
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally problem free