Do paperwhites have a scent?
Paperwhite narcissus are the cilantro of the flower world. While some people can’t get enough of their heady fragrance, to others they smell like a cross between dirty socks and cat pee. Like daffodils, paperwhites are a type of narcissus. But these are tender bulbs, native to frost-free regions of the Mediterranean. Paperwhite narcissus are the cilantro of the flower world. While some people can’t get enough of their heady fragrance, to others they smell like a cross between dirty socks and cat pee. Like daffodils, paperwhites are a type of narcissus. But these are tender bulbs, native to frost-free regions of the Mediterranean.If you look for more than a beautiful drift of creamy or golden flowers and wish to add another terrific dimension to your spring garden, plant fragrant Narcissus cultivars. While many daffodil bulbs are fragrant, most do not have a perfume powerful enough to enjoy unless you stick your nose directly into the bulb.Native to the Mediterranean, “paperwhites” produce clusters of small white, yellow, or orange flowers (despite their common name). The extremely fragrant flowers are produced on stems that are 12 to 18 inches tall.In the language of flowers, the Paperwhite Narcissus holds a duality of meanings. It symbolizes hope and renewal, largely due to its ability to bloom in late winter and early spring, signaling the end of a harsh season. Additionally, its white color signifies purity and innocence.
What are the best smelling paperwhites?
Ziva’ is the most common paperwhite daffodil sold in commerce, but it’s not the only one. There are much sweeter smelling varieties like ‘Geranium,’ ‘Inbal,’ ‘Erlicheer’ and others worth growing. If you want a super fragrant paperwhite, Ziva paperwhites are the best choice. Nir paperwhites are another excellent choice for good fragrance. They are a newer variety that boasts even more flowers per stem than the Zivas. Ariel is another new paperwhite variety with a strong, classic scent.
Do paperwhites smell good?
Enter the paperwhite (Narcissus papyraceus), a Texas tough member of the amaryllis family known for its clusters of pure white blossoms. But here’s the twist that has puzzled garden enthusiasts for generations—the enchanting blooms of this Mediterranean native emit a scent often likened to (at least for some) feces. The naturally-produced biochemical that gives paperwhite narcissus their distinctive fragrance is called indole. Other plants that also produce indole include gardenias, jasmine, tuberose and orange flowers. Not everyone likes the smell of indole – especially in large amounts.
Do paperwhites like sun or shade?
Place the vase in a sunny, warm location. Paperwhites are tropical bulbs and prefer temperatures around 70°F. If you place your paperwhites in a cooler sunny spot (40-55°F) directly after planting for 3-4 weeks, the stems will stay shorter, which prevents them from falling over when in full bloom. Paperwhite bulbs are a traditional indoor holiday garden must. Their bright white, star-like blossoms illuminate any room and bring a heady springtime fragrance in the middle of winter. With proper care they will bloom for two weeks, and if stored properly you can plant them over and over for several years.Once the bulbs have flowered, it can be difficult to get another bloom in the same season. Sometimes if you plant them outside in USDA zone 10, you may get another bloom the next year but usually, paperwhite bulb reblooming will take up to three years.Maintain your paperwhite greens like you would a houseplant until the foliage dies back, usually around mid-July. Take them out of the soil, put them in a paper bag, and keep them in a cool, dry location until the fall. Then you can re-pot your Paperwhite bulbs all over!Bulbs- when grown in a relatively cool room (60° to 65°F), your flower display can last for up to a month. In warmer rooms, you may find that your bulbs bloom more quickly. Be sure to water your paperwhites every few days, but avoid leaving them waterlogged since the bulbs will rot.