Photo of Matthiola longipetala flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved.

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Matthiola longipetala

Also Known As

  • Cheiranthus longipetalus
  • Matthiola aspera
  • Matthiola bicornis
  • Matthiola kralikii
  • Matthiola longipetala bicornis
  • Matthiola longipetala ssp. bicornis
  • Matthiola longipetala subsp. Bicornis 'Evening Scented'
  • Matthiola oxyceras
  • Triceras oxyceras
  • Annual Stock
  • Evening Scented Stock
  • Melancholy Gillyflower
  • Night-scented Stock
  • Perfume Plant

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

  • H: 12"-18"
  • W: 6"-9"

planting zones

  • 1-12

Matthiola longipetala plant details

Matthiola longipetala is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with blue and green foliage. In spring and summer lavender, purple and white flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts beneficial insects. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Matthiola longipetala

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: brassicaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue and green
Mature size: 6 IN - 9 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: lavender, purple and white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, cottage garden, easy-to-grow, edging plant, floriferous, fragrant, heirloom, long-blooming, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Matthiola longipetala

USDA Zones: 1 - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Past generations of gardeners called this plant the Melancholy Gillyflower because of its drab and downcast appearance during the day. At dusk, however, the lavender and white four-petaled blossoms unfold, each wee flower releasing an intoxicating scent. Sow directly in the garden in spring behind showier flowers. Self sows.
Exquisitely fragrant at night - no garden should be without this heirloom annual. Very easy to grow- this 1' tall annual with purple flowers likes full sun and avg. water. Plant some by your porch or near your bedroom to enjoy a powerful perfume that far out-shadows that of its highly bred cousins.

Gardening facts about Matthiola longipetala plant

How to Grow Matthiola longipetala

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • lavender
    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • fuzzy
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