A trip to the garden center in late winter will usually end in an empty parking lot and a locked door or, at best, a broader vase selection than plants to plant in them. But, here in Tuscany, we get some more options, even of the flowering persuasion as early as February.

On our latest visit we got a whiff of a spicy, sweet scent drifting among the ever present cyclamens and vased orchids, neither of which are scented. A row of simple white flowering pots had just arrived so our attention quickly turned to them. To be honest, other than the handsome flowers, I wouldn’t have considered them if it hadn’t been for the scent that drew us in. Like a character actor in Hollywood, the flower seemed familiar but I wouldn’t know its name. The long, slender “hairy” leaves with a rounded tip didn’t give it away to a novice like me. It is reminiscent of sage if you squint. And, like sage, it is the scent that does the heavy lifting here.

The “violacciocca”, or Brompton Stock, as it turns out emits a sweet, narcotic fragrance. A bold hit of clove, a touch of dark honey, and, of course, green, stemy notes. Carnation comes immediately to mind for the explicit clove note.

Brompton Stock (aka “hoary stock”, “common stock”, “gilly-flower” or “ten-week stock”) is a leafy green perennial whose true name is Matthiola icana. It is part of the Brassicaceae family, like cabbage and mustard plants. Its name “Mattiola” comes from the 16th century Italian physician and botanist, Pierandrea Mattioli.

The potent little flower, either single or double layers, have four petals in a cross and come in many colors from pink, to violet, purple, red, yellow or white. It may not be the “belle of the ball” or even on your list when gardening season hits, but its potent scent and handsome enough flowers make it a very worthwhile addition to any garden.