Re: fragrance
- To:
- Subject: Re: [sibrob] fragrance
- From: L* K*
- Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 22:21:05 -0800
From: "Leroy Kriese" <ambrosia@silk.net>
Fragrance is wonderful with cut flowers especially when you bring them
inside. I really think that fragrant Hosta blossoms are the most wonderful
scent put on earth.
In the garden I always think of the Trumpet lilies which have some of the
strongest fragrance. Trumpet lilies don't always produce a continuous stream
of fragrance and I have heard the term "puffers" applied. Theses lilies seem
to have distinct periods in which they go into high gear to produce perfume.
I cannot recall having heard any of the genetics involed with fragrance. To
me it seems that the genetics and mechanics of smell are a lot less
understood than flower color. The dominant genes or alleles which produce
fragrance must exist, they simply would have to be manipulated to the point
where a dependably fragrant plant is produced. Hybridizers have done much
with other characteristics, but because scent is not so predictable and
sometimes elusive, it has perhaps not gotten the same attention.
Allergy problems, according to studies I have recently heard, are on the
rise for whatever reasons. Many people are adversely effected by strongly
fragrant plants. My niece is one who has severe allergies and without
careful precautions, medicine and treatments would not be able to breathe
the air that we take for granted. A strongly fragrant plant would trigger an
acute attack of asthma, perhaps leading to hospitalization. Hence what could
be wondrous to some could be deadly to others, so that in itself is a
detraction not to be ignored.
I never noticed any fragrance in a Siberian till I was closely evaluating a
seedling and much to my suprise it had a mild somewhat spicy fragrance not
unpleasant. I then looked up a few others in the checklist that claimed
fragrance, previously I had no idea that Siberians were fragrant at all.
Since there does not appear to be any strongly fragrant Siberians I would
imagine that a hybridizer would have to start with something a little less
and by hybrization and selection hopefully eventually select for stronger
fragrance.
I think strongly fragrant Siberians are still a ways off.
Leroy Kriese
Zone 5 Vernon, BC
--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
*** Make holiday parties more fun, less stress ***
Try seeUthere.com: the easier way to organize great events.
Click on <a href=" http://clickme.onelist.com/ad/$s ">FREE OFFER</a>
------------------------------------------------------------------------
