Re: daphne scents

Diane,

I don't grow this particular Daphne, but I would guess
that the scent is temperature related.  I have often
noticed that many subtropicals have negligle scent in
cool conditions, but when it warms up, they are much
more fragrant.  Brugmansia and Pittosporum undulatum
are two examples from my own garden.  It may also have
to do with critical mass of blooms, as the first
isolated flowers of P. undulatum don't carry far, but
when the whole tree is in bloom, you can't escape it.

It has also been an odd year for bloom times this
spring, I have a Sweetshade Tree, Hymenosporum flavum
that is already in full bloom, when it usually doesn't
start for another month, and the heavily fragrant form
of Psoralea pinnata in the garden is also in full
bloom.  Both would more typically be blooming in late
May/June for me.  After a trip down to Los Angeles in
late March, I have remembered that Orange trees are
the most heavenly scent there is, and every garden
should have one, where adapted.  The Ipe trees,
Tabebuia impetiginosa, and T. chrysotricha were also
in full glorious bloom, and were in bloom both in Los
Angeles and here in Berkeley at the same time this
year.  No frgarance, but color to knock one over, and
too little planted here, although perfectly hardy and
drought tolerant as well!  I also have Aloe speciosa
blooming for the first time in the garden, wonderful,
and have also noticed lots of Dasylrions and
Xanthorroea's blooming all over town.  I wonder if
they are all of similar age, or if the conditions were
good for mass blooming this spring?  Neither are all
that commonly planted here, but are both available in
nurseries.

David Feix 


--- Diane Whitehead <voltaire@islandnet.com> wrote:
> The evergreen Daphne tangutica has been blooming for
> weeks, but 
> without noticeable scent, even when I was standing
> beside it.  Today, 
> billows of its heavy perfume have filled the house -
> in the bedroom 
> window, through the hallways, up stairs, around
> corners, into rooms 
> that lead off other rooms.
> 
>   Why? There are a few possibilities:  There are
> more flowers open 
> today. It was warmer today (20 C).
> 
> Any more ideas?
> 
> On the other hand, Daphne odora, on the opposite
> side of the house, 
> has filled the air with its sweeter, lighter,
> fragrance every day 
> since it opened.
> 
> -- 
> Diane Whitehead  Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
> maritime zone 8
> cool mediterranean climate (dry summer, rainy winter
> - 68 cm annually)
> sandy soil
> 



	
		
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