Orchids with a strong scent - Orchid Board

razka3 · #1 03-02-2008, 12:40 AM

I've been looking around the forums a little bit to find some orchids that have a nice strong scent, and have only come across a few. Wondering if anyone has compiled a list already? Or is there somewhere to search for that specific trait?

Thanks
Frank

shakkai · #2 03-02-2008, 05:54 AM

Sounds like a good list to compile! I don't remember anyone doing this... Dorothy should be able to help, though, as anything with a fragrance seems to be a particular hit for her.

My strongest scented ones are:

Phal. Sweet Memory 'Liodoro' - very sweet scent
Maxillaria tenuifolia - like coconut
Certain hybrids of Den. kingianum - some much more than others. One of mine will make an entire room smell like a flower shop!
Dendrobium speciosum - mine smells like honey

Others have a slight scent, but these are the ones whose scent was memorable.

Stefan · #3 03-02-2008, 06:23 AM

hi frank,
cymbidium tracyanum has a really strong scent, the best out of the cyms, but its a big plant so maybe not the best. stanhopeas are known for there scents. hope this adds a few to the list.

stefan

Neverend · #4 03-02-2008, 07:11 AM

How can we forget classics like Phalaenopsis bellina & Phalaenopsis violacea?

Lagoon · #5 03-02-2008, 07:50 AM

Here's a helpful link from D.

Fragrant Orchids

It would be nice to compile a list here on the OB for future viewing, maybe put a sticky on it too

Dorothy · #6 03-02-2008, 08:20 AM

Here are 2 more sites -
This one is an short list but the orchids they do list are accompanied by photos. - Fragrant Orchids
and this is a link to the book - Fragrant Orchids by Steven Frownie - the one Ross referred to in the thread I posted and that Gloria (Thank you

) was so sweet to find and post above - http://www.timberpress.com/pdfs/exce...881927399e.pdf

If anyone has any favorites, please do add them

From my personal experience -
Eurychone rothschildiana - which is subtle but spicy
My all time favorite - Iwanagara Apple Blossom - strong scented - floral/rosy scent
Cochleanthes Amazing - mild to strong - hints of vanilla and clove
Cochleanthes marginata - mild, odd - furniture polish scent ( best way I can describe it)
In deed Neverend - most orchids with Phal violacea or bellina in it .. definitely species, high probability primary hybrids or crosses - mild to strong - hints of vanilla and rose ..
Brassavola nodosa - species and primary hybrids - mild to strong,- sweet and spicy with almost a hint of church incence (including such hybrids as Bl Yellow Bird, Bc (Little Stars x Maikai) 'Hawaii' )

Disclaimer : These fragrances are the opinion of my olfactory senses and may differ from person to person ..

Ray · #7 03-02-2008, 08:55 AM

One must start any such list with Oncidium Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance'

razka3 · #8 03-02-2008, 01:11 PM

Ah wow, that's a lot of plants! Would take a lifetime to find and grow all of those! Thanks so much everyone... you are all so resourceful! I don't know where to start now...

Maybe I'll see (smell) a couple that I like at the orchid show next weekend. I need to find some more room for all of them...

Frank