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Matthiola incana 'Pillow Talk'
stock pillow talk
Forming neat domes of soft, silvery-grey foliage, upright stems carry clusters of waxy white flowers that gently blush to pale...
Plant description
Often grown as a biennial or short-lived perennial, Matthiola incana 'Pillow Talk' is easy to grow in well-drained soil and thrives in a bright, open spot. It’s equally at home in a cottage garden setting or as a cut flower, bringing both structure and fragrance indoors with its rich, clove-like fragrance. Deadheading helps prolong flowering, and a light, free-draining soil will keep plants performing at their best.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Fast-growing
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Matthiola incana Pillow Talk:
Keep watered during dry spells and apply a monthly, liquid, general-purpose fertiliser during the growing season. Pinch out the top as they grow to encourage branching and more flower spikes, cutting back the main stem once flowers have faded to encourage side shoots to bloom too.
Sowing instructions:
Germination usually takes 7-14 days at temperatures around 15-18°C (59-64°F). Thin seedlings to around 15cm (6in) apart when large enough to handle. This is a fast-growing annual, so sow in succession every few weeks for prolonged flowering through summer. Avoid overfeeding, as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
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