Stocks Flowers

Stocks Flowers - Care And Facts

Name : Stocks Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Matthiola, (Matthiola incana).
Stocks Description

Stock Flower is the common name for the 50 odd species of flowering annuals and biennials that make up the genus Matthiola, Family Brassicaceae (Mustard Family). Stocks derive their botanical name from Dr. Pietro Andrea Mattioli (1527-1576), a personal physician to Emperor Maxmillian of Austria, who wrote several medical and botanical books. Stocks originate from the Mediterranean and Canary Islands, and are generally found throughout Eurasia, and the two most common species in cultivation are Matthiola incana and Matthiola longipetala. Other common names include Gillyflower and Virginia Stock Flower.

Most stock varieties have been developed into well-bred doubles, an upgrade from their wild, single nature. Modern Stock varieties range in height from 12-30 inches, but they are all rather stiff columns surrounded by flowers. The Stocks plant has a tall, strong stem which bears a cluster of sweet-scented, double flowers forming a spike. Stock flowers come in a profusion of fragrant loose racemes with eye-catching blossoms in white, pink, red or lilac shades. The Stock Flower's spikes comprise of cross-shaped 4-petaled flowers. The Stock Flowers bloom from spring to fall and are 3/4 inch in width. The foliage of the Stock Flower plant consists of oval, toothed or entire, medium green leaves. The enticing flower fragrance is a characteristic feature of the Virginian Stock.

Stocks are the easiest grown plants that do best in full sun and a moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter. Stock prefers the cool, humid weather of foggy, coastal areas, even though some varieties are more heat-tolerant for a longer flowering season elsewhere. Stock plant can tolerate light frost and is useful for winter bloom in mild climates. Elsewhere, plant Stocks as early in the spring as ground can be worked.

Some stock varieties are grown as annuals like the "Ten-week Stocks". These cultivars are sown in spring, generally from March onwards in colder areas, earlier in regions with mild winters. These cultivars give a good summer flower display. Other Stock varieties take longer to develop and are treated as biennials and are often referred to as "Brompton stocks".

Stock flower is perfect for garden planting and looks great when scattered into paving crevices, nooks and crannies. Plant Stocks in rock walls, for the front of the flower border, or to provide cover for the bulb foliage once the bulb blooms are gone. Plant Stocks near walks, by doorsteps, and close to heavily frequented places where their fragrance reaches passersby and lifts their spirits.

Stocks are prized for their cool, distinctive colours and exceptional fragrance in the cool season gardens. In areas where the winters are mild, the Stock flower is grown as a winter/early-spring annual for bloom before the weather gets torrid. In maritime or cool mountain climates, Stocks make a good choice for late spring or summer flowering.

The Stock flower has remained a favourite since Elizabethan times and its versatility in breeding has led to new longer lasting cultivars. One renowned group is called the Brompton Stock, initially bred in Brompton Park, London, where the South Kensington museums now stand.

The Stock flower is relatively precise in appearance and is best suited to formal beds where it can be lined up like soldiers. Stocks are also adaptable to containers, and look especially well when combined with informal flowers to break up the rigidity.

Stocks make superb cut flowers, with the scent pervading an entire room. This delicate blossom adds an elegant touch to a wedding bouquet, table centerpiece or flower arrangement. Stocks have a considerably long vase life of about 8-12 days.

Popular Stock varieties include Trysomic Seven Week Stock which is the earliest bloomer. Dwarf Stockpot grows 8 to 10 inches tall and has separate colors of Red, Purple, Rose, White, or all together in a mix. The Brompton mixed variety is double, in red, rose, and white. Evening Scented is another Stock variety with white and pale pink and highly fragrant blossoms.

Stocks Meaning

The elegant, fragrant Stock Flower symbolizes Lasting Love, Lasting Beauty, Happy Life, Bonds Of Affection and Promptness. This dainty beauty also signifies Contented Existence, and can be used to convey the message You'll Always Be Beautiful To Me.

Stocks Mythology