Night Scented Stock ( Matthiola bicornis ) is a annual flowering plant that is native to parts of Europe, Africa and Asia. It is most popular for its beautifully scented flowers that release a sweet aroma as the sun goes down and throughout the night. This species is hardy to cold and humid tropical climates and prefers a full sun location.
Its pretty lilac-purple coloured flowers are generally seen in Spring, however it is not uncommon for Matthiola bicornis to flower sporadically throughout the year. In most climates it is grown as an annual but can grow biennially in some areas.
The Night Scented Stock is fantastic as a border or bedding plant, in cottage gardens or in pots and containers. It is also attractive to bees and other pollinators. Wonderful as a cut flower as it will fill the home with its lovely scent; as a cut flower it will last approximately a week.
NOTE: WE CAN NOT SEND THIS SPECIES TO WESTERN AUSTRALIA & SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Suitable for All Climates.
Growth
Matthiola bicornis grows in height from around 30-50 cm with a similar spread. Its leaves are long, thin and fairly smooth edged at the top of the plant but lower down the leaves are deeply lobed. On average its leaves are approximately 8-10 cm in length. The leaves and stems are covered in very fine hairs.
The flowers of the Night Scented Stock can look like wilted during warm days as if they need a good drink, however perk up in the evening to emit their sweet scent. It is well worth planting this species in an area where you can enjoy its perfume. Flowers range in size between 1.5-3 cm in diameter, have 4 petals and are a lilac colour, often with a white bi-coloured appearance.
Night Scented Stock can grow in almost any climate as an annual, are easy to grow and very hardy. This plant is a must have if scented gardens are your goal. They prefer full sun in a position sheltered from heavy winds if possible and moist but well draining soil.
NOTE: WE CAN NOT SEND THIS SPECIES TO WA or SA!
FAMILY:
Brassicaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold – Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-40°C to 40°C / -40 to 104°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist, fertile well draining soils.
LOCATION:
Full sun, protected from very strong winds. Will cope in part shade in hotter climates.
HEIGHT:
Up to 50 cm (20 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 40 cm (16 inches)
pH:
6.8-7.8
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual, Fast Growing.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by moths.
MATURITY:
8 weeks
GERMINATION RATES:
78-94%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1200
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes, banned in Western Australia & South Australia
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge). 5 years
FACTS ABOUT MATTHIOLA BICORNIS (Night Scented Stock)
Night Scented Stock is classed as a weed in both Western Australia and South Australia. This is due to way in which seeds can be spread and grow among crops. The plant will often reseed itself and grow back the following year, the seeds can remain dormant in the ground for many years. If you do not want the plant to disperse or reseed, this is an easy fix; just remove the spent flowers before the become seed pods. This is obviously an easy job in the backyard but extremely difficult between hundreds of acres of grain!
This species is apparently edible and quite tasty, none of us here can vouch for this though as to date, we have not tried it. We may update this space at some stage.
Matthiola bicornis can also be referred to as Matthiola longipetala or Matthiola longipetala subsp. bicornis.
Other common names for this species are Evening Stock; Perfume Plant; Night Scented Violet; Grecian Stock and Night Stock.
