Matthiola longipetala, commonly known as Night Scented Stock, is an annual or biennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, including Southern Europe and North Africa, where it thrives in open habitats such as coastal areas, disturbed sites, and agricultural land. It is particularly adapted to limestone soils and can often be found in rocky, calcareous environments. The plant typically grows to about 45 cm in height and is highly branched, with a low-growing habit. Its four-petaled flowers range in color from purple to white and are about 1 to 2 cm wide. The flowers emit a strong, pleasant scent during the evening and through the night, which is why it is primarily grown in gardens. The scent is most pronounced when temperatures begin to cool in the evening.

Night Scented Stock is valued for its fragrant flowers, which can add a sensory experience to gardens, especially in the evening. It is often used in border plantings, rock gardens, and as a fragrant addition to container gardens on balconies or patios. While it is cold-resistant and can grow in hardiness zones up to zone 1, it prefers cooler conditions and may struggle in high heat. For a bushy appearance, it is recommended to plant seeds thickly in clumps. Regular watering will extend the blooming period into the summer, but care should be taken not to overwater. It generally does best in full sun to part shade and requires soils with medium drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0