Orchids with a strong scent
 

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

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.

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

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

Here's a helpful link from D.

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...t-orchids.html

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

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 :D ) 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 :nod:

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 ..

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

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

This list MUST include the zygopetalum family. I discovered this one from six feet away (outdoors). It's wonderful! I'm looking for its cousins.

...and do not forget Lycaste aromatica with strong cinnamon scent and a lovely "weird" look :D