UK compost
What compost for night-scented stock in the UK?
Matthiola longipetala
More about night-scented stock in the UK
Which compost night-scented stock needs
For night-scented stock the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Thrives in poor to moderately fertile, sharply drained alkaline or neutral soils. Rich, moist soils produce leafy, lax plants with fewer flowers. Avoid compacted or waterlogged ground. Ideal on chalk, sandy, or gritty soils.In British garden centres the bagged growing medium is sold simply as “compost” (multipurpose, ericaceous, or loam-based John Innes), which is a different thing from the rotted garden “compost” you make in a heap — for a pot you want the bagged kind.
Peat-free compost
Buy peat-free. The sale of peat compost to home gardeners is being phased out across the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free on environmental grounds. A good peat-free multipurpose grows night-scented stock perfectly well; the one habit to change is watering — peat-free dries faster at the surface while still moist below, so check by feel a knuckle deep rather than trusting the look of the top.
Ericaceous or multipurpose?
Night-scented stock does not want a rich, water-holding compost — it wants sharp drainage. Cut peat-free multipurpose roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite, and always pot into a container with drainage holes. A "cactus and succulent" bagged mix is a ready-made shortcut.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the night-scented stock soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Night-scented stock in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for night-scented stock in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Thrives in poor to moderately fertile, sharply drained alkaline or neutral soils. Rich, moist soils produce leafy, lax plants with fewer flowers. Avoid compacted or waterlogged ground. Ideal on chalk, sandy, or gritty soils. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.
Can I use ordinary multipurpose compost for night-scented stock?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for night-scented stock and will rot the roots. Cut it roughly 50:50 with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite so it drains fast.
Should the compost be peat-free?
Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow night-scented stock perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does night-scented stock need grit or perlite added?
Yes — night-scented stock must have sharp drainage. Add about one part horticultural grit or perlite to one part compost, and always use a pot with drainage holes.
What pot and drainage does night-scented stock need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Well-drained chalk, loam, or sand, pH 6.5–7.5. Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.
More night-scented stock care
See the full night-scented stock care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.