About

Matthiola scapifera is an ornamental subshrub in the stock genus (Brassicaceae) producing a basal rosette of leaves and a tall, leafless, flowering stem bearing a terminal raceme of fragrant flowers. A rewarding plant for a sunny, well-drained border.

About the genus

Matthiola, the stocks and gillyflowers, are annuals, perennials and subshrubs with simple or lobed, often grey-woolly leaves and dense terminal racemes or panicles of sweetly fragrant, four-petalled flowers. Grown in sunny, well-drained borders and as cut flowers.

Plant details

Suggested usesBedding, containers, hanging baskets.

Care notes

CultivationPlant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.
PruningDeadhead regularly to prolong flowering.
PropagationGrow from seed sown in spring.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. Monitor for common garden pests.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant. Ensure good air circulation.