Stock Matthiola incana

Names

• Family

  Brassicaceae

• Synonyms

  Stock, Hoary Stock, Tenweeks Stock, Gillyflower

• Common names

  Cheiranthus annuus, Cheiranthus incanus, Matthiola aspera, Matthiola bicornis, Matthiola glaberrima, Matthiola incana subsp. incana, Matthiola incana var. incana, Matthiola longipetala, Matthiola sinuata, Matthiola tricuspidata.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Stock is not known to be highly toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it might cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals if ingested or if sensitive skin comes into contact with it. There are no severe symptoms of poisoning associated with Stock typically reported.

• To pets

  Stock is also not considered highly toxic to pets. Ingesting this plant may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea, particularly if consumed in large quantities. It's always prudent to discourage pets from eating ornamental plants, regardless of their toxicity level, to avoid any potential digestive issues or adverse reactions.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Biennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Grey-green

• Flower color

  Varies

• Height

  1 foot 8 inches (50 cm)

• Spread

  1 foot (30 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  7

• Native area

  Mediterranean

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: Matthiola incana, commonly known as stock, adds color and visual interest to gardens with its range of hues including pink, purple, red, and white.
• Fragrance: Stock is well-known for its sweet and spicy fragrance, which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
• Cut Flowers: The flowers of Matthiola incana make excellent cut flowers due to their long vase life and pleasant scent, ideal for floral arrangements.
• Evening Bloomer: Stock's flowers often open in the late afternoon or evening, adding a unique aspect to its appeal in the garden landscape.
• Attracts Pollinators: This plant is attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies, helping to promote biodiversity in the garden.
• Seasonal Color: Matthiola incana can provide seasonal color in spring and fall, making it a versatile choice for gardeners looking to maintain continual bloom cycles.
• Easy to Grow: Stock is relatively easy to cultivate and can be grown from seeds, making it accessible for gardeners of all skill levels.
• Versatility: It can be grown in borders, beds, or containers, offering flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
• Edging Plant: Due to its shape and size, stock can be used as an edging plant, providing structure and bordering for garden paths or other plantings.

Medical Properties

• This plant is not used for medical purposes

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Matthiola incana, commonly known as stock, can be used as a natural dye source. The flowers and leaves of stocks can produce dyes for textiles, yielding a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
• Stock flowers are edible and can add a decorative touch to salads and desserts with their mild, slightly peppery flavor.
• In perfumery, the sweet and floral fragrance of stock is sometimes used in creating scents and aromatherapy products, adding a touch of garden freshness.
• The plant can be used as a decorative element in floral art and pressing due to its colorful and structured flowers, perfect for crafts.
• Stocks can serve as companion plants in the garden, attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies while deterring some pests.
• The flowers are traditionally incorporated into wedding bouquets and arrangements to symbolize lasting beauty and a happy life.
• Stock flowers can be used as a natural moth repellent when dried and placed in clothes storage areas.
• Some cultures use stock as a part of ritualistic or ceremonial practices, appreciating its fragrance and symbolism.
• The dense and upright growth habit of Matthiola incana makes it a suitable plant for creating garden borders and formal bed designs.
• When planted in mass, stock can be used to create a visually striking living backdrop for garden parties and outdoor events.

Feng Shui

The Stock flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Stock flower is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Lasting Beauty: Matthiola incana, commonly known as stock, symbolizes enduring beauty due to its pleasant fragrance and long-lasting blooms.
• Happy Life: Stocks are often associated with a happy life, and they are given to wish someone a fulfilling and joyous existence.
• Bonds of Affection: The plant represents the strong bonds of affection and is frequently used to signify the unbreakable connections between loved ones.
• Contentment: Stock flowers imply contentment, reflecting the serene and satisfied aspects of one's life.
• Promptness: Historically, these flowers were associated with promptness, possibly derived from their swift growth.