Scentsational Gift Ideas

For those of us who have grown orchids for awhile, we know that it was accepted among the general public that orchids just did not smell. This misconception is a result of the days when corsages were given to ladies on special occasions. The cut flowers, normally fragrant cattleyas, had been refrigerated for so long that their fragrances had died. Orchids can possess some of the most exotic and long lasting fragrances in the plant world, satisfying our olfactory senses as well as our appreciation for beauty. As I sit writing this, the sweet heady fragrance of Encyclia cordigera is wafting my way making me wish I was out working with the plants rather than sitting at a computer. If you are ready to make the switch from roses to orchids for Valentine's Day, here are a few suggestions of latewinter-bloomers that combine flowers AND perfume!

The above-mentioned (and pictured) Encyclia cordigera is an excellent choice for that loved one who is an experienced orchid grower. It comes in three "flavors", each with a different scent. Although only one is accepted botanically, I will use their horticultural designations here. The dark, or 'rosea' form sports dark chocolate colored petals and sepals and a bright fuchsia lip. Many clones posess a fragrance reminiscent of roses. The semi-alba form has a white lip with fuchsia splotch in the middle and the plant next to me reminds me of the smell of sweet privet. The alba form with green petals and sepals and a white lip often has a slight citrusy scent. Flowers last 2-3 weeks depending on climate.

If your loved one grows cattleyas, their collection MUST have Blc. George King 'Serendipity' AM/AOS (shown at left). This may well be the perfect Cattleya for its time. It is easy to grow and puts out multiple leads, blooming more than once a year. It is a good choice because it will remind him/her of you when it blooms again....and again. Our focus here is fragrance though, and this hybrid has a fragrance that is as beautiful as its peach-colored flowers. The Rhyncholaelia digbyana ancestor dominates the scent with its citrusy freshness.

The moth orchid, Phalaenopsis schilleriana, is as adaptable to indoor culture as most houseplants, only more beautiful. The sprays of delicate pink flowers do indeed remind one of a cloud of hovering moths. The flowers have a delicate subtle fragrance that is reminiscent of roses. This is a perfect choice for that person who is not yet an orchid grower, or just getting into orchids. Some hybrids that have Phal. schilleriana in their background carry on the sweet fragrance while offering other desireable traits, such as the multifloral, Phalaenopsis Little Mary, or Phalaenopsis Nobb's Amy. Whichever direction you decide to go, species or hybrid, Phalaenopis will stay in bloom for weeks reminding your loved one of your thoughtfulness.

We would be remiss if we did not include Oncidium Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance" in any mention of fragrant orchids. This has been one of the most commercially successful orchids, and all because of its lemony vanilla scent. The clouds of barred cherry red flowers float above the foliage and can fill a room with their wonderful fragrance. This orchid is available at many home center garden departments, or at online orchid retailers.

Don't worry about the spots on the leaves, they are normal.

There are countless other fragrant orchids that bloom in February and I am sure that many orchid growers have their own suggestions. Please leave a comment and tell us your favorite! To do so, click on the word "comments" below.