Lily of the valley-why can't I detect smell?

16 years ago

I just planted plants of lily of the valley....they are already blooming-the pink (I assume rosea) kind. Though they are pretty, I don't detect much scent. It's my HUSBAND who has scent-detection issues, not me....so, do they only smell nice in a confined basis (in a vase), or during a certain time of day or weather? (It's still cool and rainy here). Or are the rosea cultivars less scented than the regular white ones? Lily of the Valley (Muguet de Bois or something) used to be one of my favorite perfumes! What's wrong with my nose? :0) Phyl

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Comments (3)

scenter
16 years ago
phylrae:

Nothing is wrong with your nose. Most commercially offered cultivars of lily of the valley are odorless.

As for 'Muguet de Bois' and other muguet(FWIW muguet [myoo-gay]is French for lily of the valley) perfumes: They are entirely synthetic. There is no essential oil or absolute made from muguet on a commercial level. The processing destroys the odor.
phylrae
Original Author
16 years ago
Scenter,
Thanks for the info. I do pick up some scent today...but it's sad that they are not as perfumed as I thought they'd be. :0( Phyl
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rosefolly
16 years ago
There are plenty of wonderfully fragrant lilies of the valley around. Find someone with an old garden and a generous heart. You want lilies of the valley that came from someone's grandmother's or great grandmother's garden. They spread like mad, so they will probably be happy to share with you.

Rosefolly