line · moderate · mid
Matthiola
Matthiola incana · aka stock, gillyflower
Matthiola (also known as stock) carries a vertical spire of clove-scented florets — a workhorse of spring wedding work. The Iron series from Japan (double-flowered, dense) has raised the design ceiling on what was previously a supporting flower. Fragile foliage; strip aggressively at conditioning to keep vase water clean.
At a glance
| Family | Brassicaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Mediterranean; commercially grown Italy, Israel, Netherlands, California |
| Peak season | March, April, May, June |
| Availability | February to July |
| Stem length | 40–70 cm |
| Vase life | 7–10 days |
| Colors | white, cream, blush, pink, coral, burgundy, purple, lavender |
| Price tier | mid |
Conditioning
Recut on a diagonal, strip lower foliage aggressively — matthiola leaves foul the water fast. Fresh cool water.
Care in the vase
- •Strip almost all foliage — leaves decay quickly in water
- •Change water every 24 hours; matthiola smells sour when water goes stale
- •Sweet clove-like fragrance — pleasant, not overwhelming
- •Double-flowered varieties (Iron series) are the premium tier
Design role & symbolism
Symbolismlasting beauty, contented existence
Occasionsspring wedding, everyday, bridal-bouquet
Substitutesdelphinium, snapdragon
fragrantspringline-flower
