Some flowers are flashy. Others whisper their charm quietly. Stock sits happily in the middle: elegant, fragrant, and with just enough history to keep things interesting. If you’ve ever caught that sweet, spicy clove scent in a bouquet, chances are you’ve just met stock.

From Cottage Gardens to Kiwi Homes

Stock (Matthiola incana) has travelled a long way to end up in New Zealand vases. Originating in the Mediterranean, it became a staple of English cottage gardens centuries ago. Victorian brides carried it for luck and devotion, while poets admired its “lowly yet noble” nature. Shakespeare even gave its cousin, the gillyflower, a cameo in The Winter’s Tale. Not bad for a bloom that still shows up in our local markets today.

Fun Facts and Quirks

• Stock is sometimes nicknamed the “gillyflower,” an old-fashioned English word that simply meant “fragrant flower.”
• They’re not just pretty: in ancient times, parts of the plant were thought to have medicinal uses for treating coughs and chest complaints.
• Stock comes in a rainbow of shades, from snowy white to lilac, magenta and buttery yellow. Florists love using them to bring height and scent to arrangements.
• In the language of flowers, stock means “lasting beauty” and “happy life.” Romantic, right? Making them a thoughtful choice for weddings and anniversaries.

Bringing the Perfume Indoors

One of the reasons Kiwis love stock is its vase life. With the right care, the stems will scent your home for up to a week.

Here’s the insider guide:

1. Give stems a sharp, angled trim before popping them in water.
2. Strip any leaves that might sit below the waterline.
3. Fresh water every two days is a must.
4. Keep them away from heaters and fruit bowls (ethylene gas is not their friend).

Pro tip: pop a vase of stock in the hallway or living room. You’ll be met with fragrance every time you walk past.

Why We Keep Coming Back

Stock isn’t just a flower, it’s a feeling. It’s nostalgia, romance and a little bit of theatre with every bloom. Whether you’re after a gift that says “thank you” or you simply want to treat yourself, stock never disappoints.

And here’s some good news: Market Flowers has fresh white stock on sale right now.

Send an email to info@marketflowers.co.nz before the 10th of October, mention this article, and they’ll give you 25% off a bouquet of stock.

Browse the full range W: marketflowers.co.nz.