Contents
Description
Matthiola Parviflora, commonly known as Little-Flowered Matthiola or Small-Flowered Stock, is an annual flowering plant from the Brassicaceae family. This plant species is native to Europe and Asia, and it is widely cultivated for its fragrant and colorful blooms. Matthiola Parviflora is a compact plant that grows up to 20 inches tall and 12 inches wide. It produces small, four-petaled flowers that bloom in clusters from late spring to early summer, and they come in various shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow. The foliage of Matthiola Parviflora is narrow and lance-shaped, and it has a gray-green color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Matthiola |
| Species | Parviflora |
Appearance
Matthiola Parviflora is a beautiful and fragrant plant that can add color and texture to any garden or landscape. This plant has a compact and upright growth habit, and it can grow up to 20 inches tall and 12 inches wide. The foliage of Matthiola Parviflora is narrow and lance-shaped, and it has a gray-green color that complements the bright and colorful flowers. The flowers of Matthiola Parviflora are small and four-petaled, and they come in various shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow. The blooms are arranged in clusters on the top of the stems, and they are highly fragrant, especially in the evening.
Care Guide
Matthiola Parviflora is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care and attention. Here are some tips on how to care for Matthiola Parviflora:
Water: Matthiola Parviflora prefers moist but well-draining soil. Water the plant deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization: Matthiola Parviflora does not require heavy fertilization. You can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and blooming.
Soil: Matthiola Parviflora prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can amend the soil with compost or aged manure before planting to improve its fertility and drainage.
Sunlight: Matthiola Parviflora prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may produce fewer blooms and have a weaker fragrance.
Hardiness Zones: Matthiola Parviflora is hardy in USDA zones 6-10. It can tolerate light frost and cool temperatures, but it may not survive a harsh winter.
Common Pests & Diseases
Matthiola Parviflora is a relatively pest and disease-free plant. However, it may occasionally suffer from some common issues, such as:
Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and stems of Matthiola Parviflora, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and distorted foliage. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with a neem oil or insecticidal soap solution.
Whiteflies: These tiny insects can also suck the sap from the leaves of Matthiola Parviflora, causing yellowing, wilting, and leaf drop. You can control whiteflies by using yellow sticky traps or spraying the plant with a neem oil or insecticidal soap solution.
Damping-off: This fungal disease can affect the seedlings of Matthiola Parviflora, causing them to wilt, rot, and die. You can prevent damping-off by using clean and sterile soil, pots, and tools, and by avoiding overwatering and overcrowding.
Habitat
Matthiola Parviflora is native to Europe and Asia, and it can be found in various habitats, such as meadows, pastures, rocky slopes, and waste places. This plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Matthiola Parviflora is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its fragrant and colorful blooms, and it is often used in borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Matthiola Parviflora toxic to pets or humans?
A: Matthiola Parviflora is not toxic to pets or humans, but it may cause mild skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Q: Can Matthiola Parviflora be grown indoors?
A: Matthiola Parviflora can be grown indoors in a sunny and well-ventilated room, but it may not bloom as profusely as it would outdoors.
Q: How long does Matthiola Parviflora bloom?
A: Matthiola Parviflora blooms from late spring to early summer, usually for about 4-6 weeks.
Q: Can Matthiola Parviflora be propagated from cuttings?
A: Matthiola Parviflora can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in moist and well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and the plants in a shaded area until they establish roots.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Matthiola Parviflora:
- Matthiola Incana (Stock)
- Matthiola Bicornis (Night-Scented Stock)
- Matthiola Longipetala (Alpine Stock)
- Matthiola Odoratissima (Evening-Scented Stock)
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/stock/growing-stock-plants.htm
- https://www.gardeningchannel.com/how-to-grow-and-care-for-matthiola-annuals/
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/matthiola-parviflora
- https://www.hortweek.com/matthiola-parviflora/landscape/article/1052990
