Matthiola Stocks
Matthiola stocks are one of the most beautifully scented flowers in floristry. Their dense spikes of ruffled blooms and their rich, clove-like fragrance make them a favourite among florists and recipients alike. If you have ever received a bouquet that filled the entire room with scent, there is a good chance stocks were in it. They are one of the most underrated flowers available and one of the most rewarding to receive.
What each stocks colour means and when to gift them
White stocks represent purity, beauty, and a happy life. They are a popular choice for wedding flowers and sympathy arrangements, where their clean appearance and gentle fragrance add an extra sensory dimension to the occasion.
Pink stocks carry meanings of affection, admiration, and lasting beauty. They are a wonderful choice for birthdays, Mother's Day, and any occasion where you want to send something that looks and smells exceptional.
Purple and lilac stocks are associated with dignity, admiration, and success. They are a sophisticated choice for congratulations bouquets and for anyone who appreciates flowers with a strong fragrance and a rich, jewel-toned colour.
Red stocks represent love and passion, though they are less commonly available than pink, white, and purple varieties. When found, they make a striking and fragrant alternative to red roses for romantic occasions.
Yellow stocks are cheerful and uplifting, associated with warmth and good wishes. They are a bright addition to birthday and get well soon arrangements.
In the Victorian language of flowers, stocks represented a happy and contented life, the idea that beauty and fragrance together are the hallmarks of a life well lived. They were a popular choice for cottage gardens and for gifting to those you wished lasting happiness.
How long do matthiola stocks last
Stocks typically last between seven and ten days as cut flowers. Their vase life is moderate, but their fragrance more than compensates. A single stem of stocks can scent an entire room for the duration of its vase life.
The blooms open progressively from the bottom of the spike upwards, similar to snapdragons and lisianthus, which means the arrangement continues to develop and change over several days.
How to care for them
Trim the stems at a 45-degree angle on arrival and remove all leaves that would sit below the waterline. Stocks are particularly prone to bacterial build-up if leaves are left in the water. Place them in a clean vase with fresh, cool water.
Change the water every two days and re-trim the stems each time. Keep stocks away from direct sunlight and heat, and away from fruit bowls. Their fragrance is at its strongest in a cool room, which also helps extend their vase life.
Are matthiola stocks safe for cats and dogs
Matthiola stocks are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. They are one of the safer scented flowers you can send to a pet-owning household, which makes them a particularly thoughtful choice when fragrance is important but pet safety is a concern.
As always, it is best to keep flower arrangements out of reach of pets as a general precaution.
When to send matthiola stocks
Stocks are a cool-season flower and are at their best in the UK between autumn and spring. They are particularly popular in winter and early spring arrangements when many other scented flowers are less available.
Send stocks for birthdays when the recipient loves fragrant flowers. Send them for Mother's Day when you want something that fills the room with scent. Send white stocks as part of a sympathy arrangement when you want something gentle, beautiful, and fragrant.
If you are specifically looking for scented flowers to send in the UK, matthiola stocks are one of the most rewarding choices available, particularly in the cooler months when fragrance in a bouquet feels especially welcome.
Shop arrangements that include stocks
Our florist's choice bouquet is designed weekly and features seasonal stems including stocks during the cooler months. Available with free UK delivery from £34.
Related guides:
Flowers for all occasions and homes
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