Stock flowers, also known as stock, are pretty cottage garden plants that come in a range of colors and have a delicate fragrance that many associate with heirloom flowers. It has been said that Thomas Jefferson had them imported to plant at his gardens at Monticello in 1771, thereby introducing them to cultivation in the United States.
The original native species has been widely cultivated and hybridized, such that it now comes in a wide array of colors, from pleasing pastel pink and apricot to vibrant shades of crimson and purple. Some varieties grow up to 3 feet tall, though most are between 12 and 24 inches. The flowers may be tightly clustered or spaced somewhat loosely on the spiky stems, sometimes appearing as double blooms, and the leaves are narrow and oval. Stock flowers grow best in full sun to part shade, in rich, evenly-moist soil, but prefer cooler weather—blooming will pause once temperatures reach above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Flowers that grow in tall upright stalks provide gardens with phenomenal vertical architecture and interest. Their spire-like shafts draw the eye upward while creating a statuesque backdrop for shorter spreading blooms.
If you want to incorporate architectural dimension in your landscape, consider these 10 flowers that send up bewitching blooms on towering straight stems:
Delphinium
Delphinium are the quintessential tall spiked flower, launching dense columns of vibrant blossoms on stiff stalks from 2 to 8 feet tall depending on variety. Their tube-shaped blooms occur in blue, purple, pink, scarlet, white and bicolors.
Give delphinium rich moist fertile soil and a site with full sun to partial shade Cut back the flowering stalks after the initial bloom to encourage a second flush of flowers Delphinium grow as perennials in zones 3-7,
Foxglove
The gracefully arching spikes of foxglove provide fabulous vertical accents, rising 2 to 5 feet tall above attractive basal foliage. Tubular, pendulous foxglove flowers bloom in late spring and early summer in shades of purple, pink, yellow, red and white, often with speckled throats.
Foxglove prefer partially shaded locations with average moisture and fertility. These biennials and short-lived perennials self-sow freely in zones 4-8.
Lupine
Lupine sends up dense, thick vertical panicles of pea-like blooms on stiff upright stems from 1 to 4 feet tall depending on variety. Flower colors include blue, purple, red, pink, yellow and white.
For maximum flowering, grow lupine in full sun and fertile, well-draining soil. Cut back spent flower stalks after blooming to encourage reblooming. Lupine can be grown as annuals or perennials in zones 4-8.
Hollyhock
Beloved old-fashioned cottage garden plant hollyhock launches flowers on some of the tallest stalks in the garden – up to 9 feet tall! Frilly single and double blooms occur in every color except blue.
Site hollyhock in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Stake the exceptionally tall stalks if needed. Often grown as biennials but perennial in zones 3-9. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering.
Gladiolus
The dramatic sword-shaped leaves of gladiolus give rise to impressively tall flower spikes from 2 to 4 feet high lined with large, remarkable blooms. Available in a spectacular spectrum of warm and cool colors, gladiolus bloom in summer into fall.
Grow gladiolus corms in full sun and well-draining soil. Dig and store the corms each winter in cold climates. Hardy in zones 7-10 as perennials.
Verbascum
Also known as common mullein, verbascum is treasured for its tall, branched candle-like blooms on straight stalks reaching 2 to 6 feet tall depending on variety. Flower colors include yellow, rose, white, purple and orange.
Verbascum thrive in average to dry soils and full sun. Cut back spent flowering stems after blooming to encourage possible rebloom. Perennial verbascum grow in zones 5-8.
Garden Phlox
Garden phlox sends up perfect panicles of sweetly fragrant flowers in summer on sturdy straight stalks typically 2 to 4 feet tall. Popular varieties offer blooms in white, pink, crimson, purple, coral and bicolors.
Grow phlox in full sun to partial shade and evenly moist fertile soil. Deadheading spent flowers encourages more blooms. Garden phlox are perennials for zones 4-8.
Red Hot Poker
Also known as torch lily and kniphofia, red hot poker sends up poker-shaped clusters of fiery orange or red flowers on thick, sturdy stalks rising 2 to 5 feet tall in late summer.
These hardy perennials thrive with full sun exposure and moist fertile soil but tolerate drought once established. Remove spent blooms to encourage reblooming. Red hot poker are adaptable plants for zones 5-9.
Giant Allium
Giant allium hovers huge round flowerheads like colorful ornaments on straight bare stalks rising 1 to 4 feet above slender leaves. Blooms occur in various shades of purple, pink, white and yellow.
Plant bulbs of giant allium in fall in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. The foliage dies back after flowering. Perennial in zones 4-8.
Bellflower
Many bellflower species produce abundant bell or cup-shaped violet-blue flowers on long, slender stalks reaching 3 to 6 feet in height. Excellent vertical varieties include clustered bellflower (C. glomerata) and Carpathian bellflower (C. carpatica).
Site these statuesque perennials in full sun to partial shade with average evenly moist well-draining soil. Deadheading spent blooms prolongs flowering. Bellflowers thrive in zones 3-8.
Joe Pye Weed
Joe pye weed sends up dense clusters of tiny pinkish or purplish flowers on sturdy stalks 4 to 7 feet tall above attractive foliage. This easy-care native perennial thrives inaverage to wet soil in full sun to part shade. Good drainage is key.
These are just 10 of the many flowers that grow on tall, prominent stalks to add phenomenal vertical architecture and magnetism to gardens. Their soaring stems provide fabulous focal points, backdrop plantings and textural contrast to lower growing plants.
Growing Guide for Flowers With Vertical Stalks
While captivatingly beautiful, getting flowers with vertical stalks to thrive does require proper growing conditions and care. Here is a complete growing guide covering soil needs, planting, watering, fertilization, staking and pest/disease control.
Soil Requirements
Most flowers with stalks thrive in fertile, well-draining soil amended with ample organic matter such as compost. The ideal soil texture is loam, a mix of sand, silt and clay. Avoid planting in heavy clay or wet boggy areas.
Delphinium, lupines, phlox and red hot poker appreciate chalky/alkaline soil. Foxgloves and bellflowers tolerate more acidic soils. Test soil pH and amend as needed to create ideal conditions.
Planting Flowers with Stalks
Many vertical flowers grow from bulbs or rhizomes planted in fall, including gladiolus, alliums and red hot poker. Others grow from seeds started indoors or directly sown in prepared garden beds after frost danger passes. These include hollyhocks, verbascum, lupines and delphinium. Nursery transplants are also readily available.
Space plants according to their expected mature size to avoid overcrowding. Add compost and organic fertilizer to planting holes and beds to get stalks off to a vigorous start.
Watering Needs
Most stalked flowers require evenly moist soil during the growing season for lush growth and maximum blooming. Avoid both extreme dryness and waterlogged conditions.
Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation and provide supplemental water during drought. Reduce watering if stalks flop or foliage yellows. Bellflowers and verbascum are more drought tolerant once established.
Fertilizing for Success
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost 1-2 times per season to nurture strong, vigorous stalks. Use a low nitrogen formulation like 5-10-10 to avoid floppy weak growth. Slow release and organic formulas provide a steady nutrient supply.
Avoid over-fertilizing which leads to lodging and invigorates foliar growth over flowers. Do not fertilize after midsummer to harden off for winter.
Staking for Support
Due to their height, many stalked blooms require staking or other supports to remain upright. Install staking at time of planting or when stalks reach 6-12” tall. Use soft flexible ties to attach them gently to stakes.
Leave room for further elongation and avoid constricting ties. Use linking or circular stakes for multi-stemmed plants.Constructs such as trellises, obelisks or planting in groups also provides support.
Pest and Disease Prevention
The most common problems afflicting stalked blooms are fungal issues, slug/snail damage, thrips, leaf miners, Japanese beetles and powdery mildew. Pick off pests by hand and use organic sprays as needed.
Good air circulation, drip irrigation and cleaning up debris reduces disease likelihood. Rotate plantings and address improper culture to avoid trouble. Promptly remove and destroy infected plants.
Captivating Vertical Flowers For Different Garden Needs
When planning where to situate vertical blooms, consider their form, height and growth habits to determine optimal placement. Here are suggestions for incorporating tall stalk flowers into various garden situations:
Creating Focal Points
The exceptional height of flowers like delphinium, foxglove and verbascum makes them natural focal points. Plant groupings of these beauties towards the center or back of garden beds to highlight them. Or place sentinel plants at corners or ends of beds.
Garden Backdrops
The towering flower wands of hollyhocks, gladiolus and giant allium create fabulous backdrops for shorter blooms planted in front of them. They provide the illusion of depth and distance and make foreground plantings “pop”.
Screening Views
Plant tall stalk flowers like Joe pye weed along foundations, fences and property borders to block unattractive views. Their height and density obscures sights while contributing beauty. They can also screen compost piles and equipment areas.
Borders and Hedges
Lined up along walkways, driveways and garden edges, vertical blooms like red hot poker and delphinium form living borders and hedges. Leave space between plants for their spread. Trim back finished flower stalks to keep looking tidy.
Cut Flower Gardens
Many blooms with long stems like lupines, gladiolus, delphinium, and red hot poker make first-rate cut flowers. Devote garden space for growing these specialty “crops” to always have fresh bouquets. Cut in early morning for longest vase life.
The strong vertical form and lofty blooms of stalked flowers imparts phenomenal architectural presence and allure to gardens. With proper
Soil
These flowers like a rich, well-drained soil that has a pH close to neutral. If your soil tends to be acidic, you can add a bit of lime or wood ash to sweeten it, or use a commercial potting soil if growing in containers.
Types of Stock Flower
Stocks botanical name is Matthiola incana, and it is a member of the brassica family. The blue-green leaves do somewhat resemble tiny cabbage leaves, and when the flowers drop off the remaining foliage looks somewhat like brassicas gone to seed. There are at least fifty different Matthiola species; Matthiola bicornis, or evening scented stock, is a species with somewhat larger flowers. There are many different varieties of Matthiola incana available, owing to many years of hybridizing efforts to develop a wide range of colors. Examples of stock varieties include:
- Cinderella: a compact variety that grows no more than 12 in. tall, and has full double flowers in many beautiful pastel shades and some brights.
- Legacy: grows up to 2 ft. tall and bears large double flowers in a variety of bright vivid shades including crimson and purple.
- Starlight Scentsation: grows to 18 in. in height and bears dramatic clusters of single flowers in a range of colors.
- Iron: a series of large double-flowered stock on sturdy stems in a range of colors, and the variety used by many florists for arrangements.
- Antique Pink: features a two-tone pink flower thats usually double; the colorful petals surround pale green centers, a very romantic look.
Growing stock 101: guide to the most fragrant bloom in the cutting garden!
FAQ
What flowers grow on one stem?
Multiple flowers on single stems would include lavender, gladioli, echiums, hyacinths, grevilleas, foxgloves, some orchids, etc.
What is the fastest growing tall perennial?
Agastache, also called hummingbird mint or anise hyssop, is a striking perennial with tubular bright flowers in shades of pink, blue, purple, orange, white, or red. “If you need a fast-growing perennial, Agastache will not disappoint,” Janney says. “It’s a long summer bloomer and will start early to mid-summer.
Which flowers have long stalks?
- Allium.
- Alstroemeria.
- Anemones.
- Anthuriums.
- Arum Lily.
- Astilbe.
- Astrantia.
- Berries.
What plants grow vertically?
A surprising amount of plants grow well on trellises! My favorite plants to grow vertical are any kind of climbing beans or peas, cucumbers, melons, squashes and tomatoes.
What is a tall stalk flower?
Some popular tall stalk flowers include: Tall stalk flowers make excellent backdrops for smaller plants. When placed in the back of your garden beds, they can create a sense of depth and layering, as well as provide a visually interesting contrast in height.
Are tall stalk flowers a good backdrop for small plants?
Tall stalk flowers make excellent backdrops for smaller plants. When placed in the back of your garden beds, they can create a sense of depth and layering, as well as provide a visually interesting contrast in height. This technique can bring out the beauty of both the tall flowers and their shorter neighboring plants.
What flowers look good in a Wold garden?
As the Latin name suggests, the inflorescences are “pyramidal” or rather cone shaped and very long. Chimney bellflower is another tall perennial that looks great in wold and natural looking gardens, like cottage and English country gardens. It is ideal for mid to back of large borders, or for very large flower beds.
How tall do extra-tall perennial flowers grow?
Extra-tall perennial flowers can quickly create a living privacy screen, hide an ugly fence, or make a beautiful backdrop so smaller plants can shine. These species can grow 6 feet tall or more; when in bloom, they’ll take your garden to new heights.
Are flowers tall enough for a garden bed?
Several flowering annuals and perennials are tall enough for the back of a garden bed and bold enough to make a statement. Tall flowers help to add structure and depth to a garden bed.
How do you care for a tall stalk flower?
Ensure your tall stalk flowers receive adequate water, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can lead to stunted growth. Applying fertilizer is also crucial for promoting robust growth.