Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Brassicaceae

Genus:

Matthiola

Species:

Matthiola incana

USDA Symbol:

MAIN4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual | Biennial | Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Subshrub

Height:

80 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

purple, pink, white, red, lavender, cream

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

butterflies, bees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

well-drained, sandy or rocky soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to rocky coastal cliffs and slopes

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

7–14 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best at 60-70°F (15-21°C) and require light for optimal germination. Do not cover seeds deeply.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI