Matthiola incana

Matthiola incana, also known as stock, is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. It is native to southern Europe, including the Mediterranean region. The plant is known for its colorful, fragrant flowers and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.

Description

Matthiola incana is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant. It typically grows to a height of 30–50 cm, but can reach up to 1 m in some conditions. The leaves are grey-green, lanceolate, and covered in fine hairs. The flowers are produced in dense spikes, and can be white, pink, red, lilac, or purple. They are highly fragrant, especially in the evening.

Cultivation

Matthiola incana is widely cultivated for its flowers. It is typically grown as a biennial, with seeds sown in summer and flowering occurring the following year. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established. In colder climates, it can be grown as an annual.

Uses

The flowers of Matthiola incana are often used in floral arrangements due to their long vase life and strong fragrance. They are also popular in gardens and landscapes for their color and scent. In addition, the plant has been used in traditional medicine, particularly in its native Mediterranean region.

Varieties

There are several varieties of Matthiola incana, including 'Vintage', which has particularly large, fragrant flowers, and 'Harmony', which is known for its range of colors.

See also

• List of Matthiola species
• Horticulture