Common Scents Sense
By Carole JaceDid you know that through breeding, some types of cultivated flowers now have little or no scent? According to the United Kingdom's Flowers & Plants Association (http://www.flowers.org.uk) , scentless flowers are common. They are a genetic byproduct of breeders' efforts to improve hardiness and longevity.
Most flowers, however, have distinctive fragrances that can fill a dining room, a grand ballroom, or even an outdoor reception area. That's why it's important keep scent in mind when deciding on table centerpieces or flowers for any small area.
"Whoa, that's strong!"
You don't want flowers to overpower the aromas of the delicious food being served at your event. Equally important, some guests may respond to heavy perfume-like flowers with itchy or watery eyes. And others may find the smell of strongly scented flowers nothing short of unbearable.
Restraint is the key to creating a pleasantly scented environment. Here, according to the London-based Association, are several common categories of floral scents along with some of the flowers (and specific varieties) most likely to fill the air with their type of fragrance:
Citrus
- Mimosa (Acacia)
- Waxflower (Chamelaucium)
- Eucharis
Sweet/Floral
- Bouvardia
- Carnation - especially "Bagatel" (white spray), "Gipsy," and "Candy White"
- Freesia - especially "Aladin" (yellow), "Blue Moon" (lilac), "Cote D'Azur" (purple), "Golden Wave" (rich yellow), "Oberon" (burnt orange), and "White Wings" (white)
- Hyacinth
- Lilac (Syringa)
- Lily of the valley (Convallaria)
- Phlox
- Rose - especially "Extase" (rich purple-red), "Jacaranda" (deep blue-pink), Juliet (soft apricot), and Rosalind (pale pink)
- Sweet pea
Heavy / Exotic
- Gardenia
- Oriental lily - especially "Casablanca" (pure white), "Le Reve" (pale pink), "Stargazer" (white with dark pink stripe), and "Pompeii" (white with yellow stripe)
- Longiflorum lily
- Narcissus - especially "Cheerfulness" (double lemon), "Paperwhite" (pure white), "Soleil d'Or" (golden yellow), "Ziva" (pure white)
- Stephanotis
- Tuberose (Polianthes)
Oriental lilies come in many beautiful colors; they can anchor floral centerpieces with crisp elegance. Some varieties, however, can leave guests feeling desperate for air. Depending on the size of the room, you may want to use them sparingly.
