It is understandable why we may think first of the Rose, Orange Blossom or Honeysuckle when we are considering the sweetest of all the floral perfumes.  However there are many that can add to that list.  Some are rare or exotic and not commonly known enough for everyone to be able to recall a scent.  Most of us have to use always a little imagination when trying to enjoy a memory of something so subtle as the soul of a flower. There is often an associated event or situation that can help us.

Although we allow for individual taste and that some people even recoil from a strong perfume that others admire,  it is usual to find that, according to its strength, or whether it is as a gentle essence, the following flowers offer a treasure house for those who wish to become more familiar with perfumes in nature that offer universal appeal. Many of them have been well known and used by the great perfume houses in their creations of sophisticated blends that are released on the market for both men and women to enjoy.

Depending upon our climate and circumstances many of us will be restricted in their cultivation in our own home garden but may be able to sample them in florists or when travelling to foreign countries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Boronia megastigma is a native wildflower of Western Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Cananga odorata (see Ylang-Ylang) best known in Burma, China,  S.E.Asia

 

 

 

 

 

Champaka – Michelia champak from China found in Tibet and SE Asia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Daphne – Daphne odora  is highly cultivated in   Europe but originates in China

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gardenia – Gardenia jasminoides  from India and Asia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Hyacinth – Hyacinthus orientalis  originated in Syria and the Middle East

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jasmine – Jasminum officinale,  J. polyanthamum , J. sambac from China and India

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lilac – Syringa sp. Is a European delight originating in Iran and northern Asia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Magnolias- Magnolia sp.  All are from the northern hemisphere –Asia and the USA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Mock Orange Blossom – Philadelphus coronaries from the northern hemisphere

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Murraya,- Cosmetic Plant  – Murraya paniculata, M. Exotica from Malaysia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Narcissus – Narcissus poeticus, N. Jonquilla one of common bulbs in Britain and Europe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Port Wine Magnolia – Michelia figo originates in China

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rose – Rosa centifolia, a native from Eastern Europe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Olive – Osmanthus fragrans originates in China

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuber rose – Polianthes tuberose from Mexico

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Viburnum – Viburnum carlesii, V.fragrans from Korea and China

 

Ylang Ylang – Cananga odorata var. Genuine (syn Unona odorantissimum) Indonesia

 

 

 

 

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This entry was posted on Saturday, May 15th, 2010 at 9:55 am and is filed under Floral Favourites. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.