Latin or Botanical Name of Flower:
Matthiola incana
Common Name:
Stock
Origin and Meaning of Name:
The plant originates in the coastal areas around the Mediterranean as well as the Arabian Peninsula and Egypt.
The flower is named in honour of Pietro Andrea Mattioli (1501-1577), an Italian physician, botanist and author.
Description:
Stock has racemes of double flowers and grey-green slightly hairy leaves. The flowers come in mauve, purple, violet, pink and white. They have a sweet and spicy fragrance similar to cloves.
In the language of flowers stock represent lasting beauty and symbolize a happy life.
Availability:
Stock is available from spring to autumn - but if imported you can probably find some all year around.
You can find them at florists and supermarkets; and at farmers' markets throughout the growing season.
Purchase when the top flowers on the spike are in bud and the lowest flowers have opened.
Conditioning and Care:
Remove any leaves that will sit below the water line in the vase. It's sometimes recommended to remove all leaves as they take the water needed for the flower heads and the flowers will probably also last longer.
Cut the stems at an angle, put in a clean container of water and keep cool until you have time to do the final arrangement.
It's also recommended to change the water in the vase every day - because stock is susceptible to mildew.
How to Use:
Stock is such a beautiful flower that I prefer to use it on its own. If you strip off all the leaves you have a solid block of the most beautiful colour.
You can cut the stems short and have a low and wide arrangement or leave the stems as long as possible for a taller upright arrangement.
Imagine an armful of white stocks in an old galvanized metal milk churn, is simple yet stunning in its timeless design.
You can't go wrong with Stock flowers weather you use them on their own or mix them with other flowers.
You can cut the stems short and have a low and wide arrangement or leave the stems as long as possible for a taller upright arrangement.
Imagine an armful of white stocks in an old galvanized metal milk churn, is simple yet stunning in its timeless design.
You can't go wrong with Stock flowers weather you use them on their own or mix them with other flowers.
[Styling and [photography © Ingrid Henningsson for Of Spring and Summer.]
]Ribbons by Jane Means.]
See you soon!
xoxo Ingrid
7 comments:
WOW! I love all of the arrangements you made. So simple, yet absolutely stunning.
Good morning. Again, beautiful photos of flowers-the first vase is amazing. Thanks so much for your advice.
In the morning I open your blog-and the day is just prettier. Thank you.
Jarka
I like your arrangements. Very nice !
Beautiful arrangements, Ingrid, and thank you so very much for the information.
Wishing you a wonderful day! xo.
Absolutely gorgeous. I love the colors and arrangements.
They are all amazing!
Lovely arrangements you've created, Ingrid. I love stock, too – such a heavenly fragrance. That deep purple one is a stunner!!
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