Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Matthiola
Species: Matthiola incana (L.) R.Br.
General: Brompton Stock
Horticulture: Stock, Hoary Stock, Gillyflower
Historical English Use: Brompton Gillyflower
Upright, herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial grown primarily as a cool-season flowering plant.
Typically 12–30 inches (30–75 cm) tall, depending on cultivar and growing conditions.
Gray-green to silvery green, oblong to lanceolate leaves with a softly fuzzy or hoary texture. Leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and contribute to the plant’s muted, matte appearance.
Dense terminal spikes of four-petaled flowers typical of the mustard family. Flowers may be single or double and occur in a wide range of colors including deep magenta, pink, purple, lavender, cream, and white. Blooms are highly fragrant, especially in the evening, and are prized for both garden display and cut-flower use.
Native to the Mediterranean region, particularly southern Europe and North Africa, where it grows in rocky, coastal, and open habitats.
Widely cultivated across temperate regions worldwide as an ornamental garden plant and greenhouse cut flower. Common in cottage gardens, formal borders, and commercial floriculture.
Light:
Full sun to light partial shade. Cooler temperatures improve flower quality and longevity.
Water:
Moderate, consistent moisture. Soil should remain evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Soil:
Well-drained, fertile soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Performs poorly in compacted or overly wet soils.
Temperature:
Cool-season plant. Optimal growth occurs in spring or fall; high heat shortens bloom duration.
Air Circulation:
Good airflow is important to reduce fungal disease risk, especially in humid conditions.
Primarily propagated from seed. Seeds are typically sown in late summer or early fall for spring flowering, or early spring in cooler climates. Transplanting should be done carefully, as plants dislike root disturbance.
Susceptible to common Brassicaceae issues including aphids, flea beetles, downy mildew, and gray mold (Botrytis), particularly in warm, humid, or overcrowded conditions.
Brompton Stock has a long history in European ornamental gardening and was especially popular in Victorian-era greenhouses and formal beds. Its strong fragrance made it a staple near walkways, windows, and evening gardens. While not a native species in North America, it remains valued for its structure, scent, and classic floral form.
Moderate maintenance. Requires deadheading to extend bloom and careful timing to avoid heat stress. Best treated as a seasonal feature plant rather than a long-term perennial in most climates.
Brompton Stock represents the old-world tradition of ornamental gardening—valued less for novelty and more for fragrance, form, and reliability. Its upright spikes and saturated colors give it a presence that feels deliberate, formal, and quietly luxurious.