Cornish grown narcissi and hyacinths may have finished but the good news is that, as spring retreats, summer arrives and early seasonal summer flowers are now available to order from your UK grower. Here are three standouts for May.
Scented stocks Matthiola incana
Pronounced ‘ma-the-OH-luh,’ stocks are a popular and highly fragrant cut flower. A member of the brassica family they are notorious water polluters, re-cutting stems and changing water daily is essential.
Colour: White, cream, pink, cerise pink and purple. Vase Life: 5-7 days. Care tips:
Ideal temperature range: 2-5°C.
Re-cut stems at an angle and cut away any white parts as they will not take up water.
Display in shallow water, as the knuckles on the stem can let in bacteria.
Remove all foliage in contact with water.
TOP TIP: Wilting flowers can be revived by submerging briefly in tepid water.
