Matthiola incana 'Katz Purple'

Matthiola incana 'Katz Purple,' also known as garden stock or gillyflower, is a beautiful and fragrant flower that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. With its double, pleniflorous blooms and sweet scent, it is a popular choice among gardeners.

This particular variety of Matthiola incana features flowers in a stunning shade of purple-dark violet, labeled as 083A on the color chart. The flowers have an average diameter of 4.5 to 5 cm, making them a perfect size for bouquets or arrangements.

The leaves of Matthiola incana 'Katz Purple' have a lanceolate shape, with revolute leaf margins. They are a dark green color, providing a lovely contrast to the vibrant flowers. The leaves can grow to be around 10 to 15 cm in size, adding a lush and full look to the plant.

When it comes to growing conditions, this gillyflower prefers sunny locations. It thrives in well-drained soil, and it has a pH requirement of alkaline (pH> 7.5) or neutral (pH 6.5 – 7.5). This makes it adaptable to a wide range of soil types, as long as the soil is not overly acidic.

Matthiola incana 'Katz Purple' is known for its raceme inflorescence, meaning the flowers grow in a cluster along a central stem. This creates a lovely display of blooms that can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

One of the standout features of this garden stock variety is its unicolored flower color distribution. The flowers are a consistent shade of purple-dark violet throughout, giving them a harmonious and uniform appearance.

In terms of moisture requirements, Matthiola incana 'Katz Purple' prefers well-drained soil. It is important to avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other issues. Regular watering is necessary to keep the plant healthy, especially during dry spells.

Overall, Matthiola incana 'Katz Purple' is a striking and aromatic flower that can bring beauty and fragrance to any garden. Its double, pleniflorous blooms, sweet scent, and vibrant purple-dark violet color make it a standout choice. With the right soil and light conditions, it is a relatively easy plant to care for, providing a stunning display year after year.

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