Matthiola incana
Brompton stock, Ten week stock, Gillyflower, Hoary stock
- Height × spread
- 0.8m × 0.4m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This makes a grey-green clump of strappy oblong leaves of quite strong character. From this rises a columnar cluster of fragrant flowers that are purple in the wild plant and, in the showier cultivars, are in various shades of pink, purple and white. It can be single or double flowered. They come near the end of spring and continue well into summer. It seems to be a native plant on coastal cliffs in southern England. The old name gillyflower derives from the similarity of its clove-like perfume to that of carnations.
- Flower colour
- Pink, Purple, White
- Foliage colour
- Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, fragrant
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 0.8m
- Spread
- 0.4m
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Scented garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal), Poor soil
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Bedding plant, Bee attraction, Butterfly attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Summer
Summer-Autumn · Planting
Support tall stems
The plant may require support for long stems. Provide an artificial frame which it can grow through, or loosely tie the whole plant. A network of twigs can be woven together to provide a framework through which the plant can grow.
Tall stems can lean or be battered by weather. Support the plant to keep its vertical lines, aiming for a natural appearance which is easy on the eye.
Planting & general
Planting
Deadhead blooms during flowering season
Remove flowers as they turn brown and fade. Snip the stem just below the bloom. This will keep the plant tidy and encourage more flowers.
The removal of spent flowers encourages the plant to produce fresh ones, rather than spend its energy on the development of seeds.
Compost · Planting
Multi-purpose compost
Use a good quality peat-free multi-purpose compost when growing in pots and containers.