It's rare that I hear anyone claim the humble matthiola, commonly known as stock, as their favourite flower. Or even mention them at all. But they are a staple of this florist's world. Overlook stock and you'll miss out on plenty! Few flowers have so much going for them.
Let's start with their scent. It’s a fragrance reminiscent of cloves, with a subtle peppery undertone. Wonderful! A member of the Brassicaceae family, which includes cabbage and kale, stocks offer another surprise: they're not just for admiring, but also for savouring! Yes, you heard that right —these blooms are edible when organically grown. Imagine adding their pop-art florets to your salad bowl for a burst of colour and flavour!
But beyond their culinary potential lies their true allure—their colours. From elegant whites to earthy apricots, and from soothing lavenders to deep purples, stocks bring a palette of possibilities.
What truly sets stocks apart is their versatility. Fill a vase with a mass of these stand-alone stunners. Architectural, simple, and (did I mention?) deliciously scented, this is a great way to approach this affordable flower. Stock flowers aren't just fillers; they're protagonists in their own right.
Of course stock can also be major players in mixed bouquets. Paired with roses, peonies, or any other bloom, they transform a bouquet into a fragrant symphony of colour and texture. So, the next time you're thinking of getting flowers, take stock, as it were! You'll be delighted in more ways than one.
