John was thoughtful to bring me a pot of very pretty Paperwhites and I didn't have the heart to tell him I didn't like them, not because of their appearance but because of their strong fragrance.
So, while sitting and chatting with Jamie this past Sunday, I knew right away what she was referring to when she said,
"Mom, your living rooms stinks!"
I showed her the culprit and then quickly relocated the plant to a distant part of the house.
~*~
"Paperwhites" refers to a type of narcissus, usually of the Tazetta group, native to the Mediterranean. They are hardy only in warm winter climates, but are popular for indoor culture. The distinctive odor, which some find unpleasant, is due to a biochemical called indole.Musky Fragrance
The scent of indole has been characterized as "musky," though some say its concentrated odor in paperwhite flowers smells like dirty socks or even cat urine. Indole is also present in the fragrance of jasmine, orange flowers and gardenias, plants renowned for their pleasant fragrances.
24 comments:
Paper whites are so pretty ... outside ... ;D ;D ;D
Isn't that a shame, they're so pretty but so smelly! How sweet of John to bring them to you!!!
I'm with you on this one. I find their scent overpowering.
Pretty but stinky, definitely an outdoor flower then. But so nice of your husband!
LOL! You're just so sweet to keeps your little nose feelings to yourself! :) You know, I've never been around any paperwhites. They're pretty but they would probably bother my nose too!
Thanks so much for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
I guess it's the thought that counts. But finding the right place to show them off might include on the porch so they would "get enough light"
I had some in my house last year for the first time. I'm with you what a stink! Couldn't wait to get rid of them....pretty maybe in the silk variety would be better!
Jeannette
Oh! I am so sad! I've never had Paperwhites before. I have just started some Paperwhites from a kit because I thought they were so pretty! I do hope I don't find them 'unpleasant' once they bloom!
I have tried for weeks to comment on your blog, but my internet connection has been fighting me. Success today!! Yes, my friend, I would love some of your flower seeds. I've never grown Cleome before! Thank you!
Blessings!
I have actually never smelled them, though I have seen them and they are soo pretty. Guess I haven't missed much in the "smell" department from the sounds of things, haha. Have a good day!
I LOVE your blog and your paperwhites photo is just gorgeous! Thanks for checking out my Southern Blueberry Pie. You have a new subscriber. Me!
I've never had this flower, but if they were stinking up the place, they would have to go. :) I guess the question is, Does John notice the smell?
Oh I agree!!! They are so pretty but the smell is horrible!
I think they're *beautiful*, but stinky. ;o)
So pretty, I have never smelled them before though.
It's hard to believe that something THIS beautiful can smell THAT bad! They should sell them under cloches or something similar, so people can enjoy their beauty but avoid the smell.
Hmmm...they do have a strong odor, but I love to force them in the middle of the winter. And it was so thoughtful of your hubby.
- The Tablescaper
LOL, they DO stink! Love the looks of them though! Hyacinths are much preferable for our noses!
It was so sweet of your husband to bring them to you though! They really are pretty.
I learned something new. Beautiful can stink! :-) Or, somethings are better left outside. Blessings!
What a beautiful photo and what a loving husband! While homeschooling I once took my three children on a field trip to a greenhouse where they got to pot their own Paperwhite bulbs to bring home. The greenhouse owner told us that they have a scent that some people love and others hate. We forgot all about that until the little flowers grew and bloomed. We had them in our kitchen and I kept trying to find what was putting out the awful scent. I finally tracked it down to the innocent looking little flowers. It was funny though, the guys in our home thought they smelled good while the girls thought they were awful!
Hm-m-m. I kinda like the scent. But I was raised on a farm just down the road from a feedlot so maybe my nose is off. Love the pic for sure.
I can't say that I know what they smell like other than your description. If they resemble the scent of dirty socks or cat urine I don't blame you for not liking them. They are pretty though
They are so delicate looking! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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