
Stock might not be the first flower that comes to mind when you think of bouquets—but once you’ve smelled its sweet fragrance and felt its romantic, vintage vibes, you’ll be hooked! Florists absolutely love stock for its unique shape, dreamy colors, and especially its incredible scent.
If you’ve ever received a bouquet that smelled absolutely heavenly, chances are high that stock was tucked in somewhere. Let’s get to know this underrated bloom a little better!
What Does Stock Look Like?
Stock flowers grow tall and upright, showcasing clusters of small, delicate blossoms along each stem. The blooms are fluffy and ruffled, giving them a romantic, almost vintage look. Stock comes in soft, dreamy colors—think lavender, creamy white, gentle pink, sunny yellow, and deep purple.
This flower brings elegance and softness to bouquets, thanks to its charmingly delicate appearance. And the best part? Its strong yet sweet fragrance makes it impossible not to notice when entering a room.

Where Does Stock Come From?
Stock originally hails from the Mediterranean region, where it thrived along rocky coasts and sunny meadows. Today, it’s grown globally as a popular cut flower—cherished for both its beauty and its signature scent.
Interestingly enough, its botanical name is Matthiola—named after Pietro Andrea Mattioli, a famous Italian physician and botanist who adored plants. Clearly, stock flowers have a bit of historic charm built right in!
What Does Stock Symbolize?
Stock symbolizes lasting beauty, affection, happiness, and contentment. It’s often used in wedding bouquets to signify long-lasting bonds and deep love. In other words, stock is a quiet yet deeply meaningful flower—it whispers rather than shouts its message.

Given its symbolism, stock makes a thoughtful flower to include in arrangements meant to comfort loved ones, celebrate anniversaries, or just express genuine affection.
Is Stock Safe for Pets and Allergies?
Here's more good news—stock is typically gentle for allergy sufferers, despite its strong fragrance. Its scent doesn't generally cause allergic reactions, making it a perfect choice for bouquets placed in common spaces.
For pet safety, stock is considered non-toxic. However, as with most flowers, it’s best to keep your furry friends from snacking on bouquets just to prevent upset tummies.
How Do Florists Use Stock?

Stock’s lovely fragrance and romantic appearance make it a florist’s favorite for weddings, anniversaries, and special occasions. Its tall, elegant stems add beautiful texture and height to arrangements. Stock pairs especially well with roses, peonies, hydrangeas, and veronicas—complementing those flowers perfectly.
It’s also often used in smaller arrangements or posies to provide a gentle, sweet fragrance. Simply put, wherever you want romance, elegance, or fragrance, stock is your flower.

Fun Fact
Stock flowers are related to cabbage and mustard—they’re part of the Brassica family! But unlike their vegetable relatives, stock flowers are cultivated for their incredible scent rather than their flavor.
And another neat thing: stock blossoms tend to bloom from the bottom up, meaning your bouquet can look slightly different each day, adding charm and intrigue to their romantic appearance.