S is for Stock

I was doing so well for this A to Z Challenge, and then somewhere around N, things started going downhill. But hey, I'm still here doing the challenge so that says something, right?

So, being in the flower biz and already doing blog posts in the A to Z Challenge on iris and rose, I decided to share my favorite flower with you . . . stock, also called gillyflower. It’s native to Southwestern Greece and the Mediterranean.

The name doesn’t sound very appealing, but the beauty of it and the fragrance make up for it. Stock can have a single or double flower bloom on them, with a 1-inch diameter. It has a sweet, yet spicy fragrance to it.

The colors range from white, yellow, peach, pink, lavender, purple and burgundy.

Vase life is three days to a week, depending on how the recipient takes care of them. This flower is temperamental and fussy, which is funny to me considering stock is supposed to be a symbol of happiness and contended existence. The water must be changed everyday and any foliage needs to be removed below the water line. If not, a foul odor coming from the water will overpower the beautiful scent of stock.

pink stock in vase mixed with lavender roses

If you visit your local florist, ask if they have stock. If so, take a whiff of it's fragrant scent. Then, take a bouquet home or send some flowers to a friend to brighten their day.

Take a look at other A to Z Challenge Bloggers.