Matthiola incana Cinderella Series, mixed - seeds

The Cinderella series of stocks, also known as Matthiola incana in Latin, is characterised by an exceptionally long flowering period. The plants in the 'Cinderella Series', mixed selection come in five different colours, ranging from white to red and blue and purple, making them delightful additions to borders or containers. When planted in the ground, they develop a branching habit with multiple flower spikes, while in pots they produce a single large spike. These beautifully scented flowers emit a sweet and spicy aroma reminiscent of cloves, like the old-fashioned varieties of carnations. This selection produces 100% double flowers.

Stock, or Matthiola incana in Latin, is a short-lived herbaceous perennial or biennial, often grown as an annual. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family (like cabbages or mustard) and is native to the Mediterranean region, including the Canary Islands, where it grows on rocks near the coast. The 'Cinderella Series' mixed horticultural selection produces upright plants with a dense, branching habit in the ground, producing multiple flower spikes that do not exceed 25 cm (10in) high and have a width of 15 cm (6in). When grown in pots, these plants do not branch out and instead produce a single, large flower spike. They have grey-green lanceolate leaves and very double flowers from May to August. These flowers are nectar-rich, emitting an intense fragrance.

These 'Cinderella Series Mixed' stocks are ideal for borders, mass plantings, or in containers near high-traffic areas or entrances to fully enjoy their sweet fragrance. In a border, they can be planted with summer annuals such as lavateras, malopes, love-in-a-mist, or opium poppies. They also make delightful romantic bouquets when paired with peonies and lilacs.