Fragrant cut flowers
19 strongly scented cut flowers and branches with their seasons and vase life, the lightly scented alternatives, and where fragrance is welcome or best avoided.
Key facts
- Strongest: lily, narcissus (daffodil), wintersweet, freesia, hyacinth, lily of the valley and 13 more.
- Avoid strong scent for hospital visits, condolences and dining tables.
For florists
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| Flower | Vase life | In season | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lily | 7–10 days | Year-round | ⚠ toxic to cats |
| Narcissus (daffodil) | 4–7 days | Winter | mildly toxic |
| Wintersweet | 7–14 days | Winter | — |
| Freesia | 5–8 days | Winter, Spring | — |
| Hyacinth | 5–7 days | Winter, Spring | mildly toxic |
| Lily of the valley | 4–7 days | Spring | ⚠ toxic to cats |
| Stock (Matthiola) | 7–10 days | Winter, Spring | — |
| Gardenia | 3–5 days | Summer | mildly toxic |
| Jasmine | 3–5 days | Summer | — |
| Lavender | 7–10 days | Summer | mildly toxic |
| Marigold | 7–10 days | Summer, Autumn | — |
| Wisteria | 2–4 days | Spring | mildly toxic |
| Osmanthus | 3–5 days | Autumn | — |
| Sweet pea | 4–7 days | Spring | mildly toxic |
| Tuberose | 5–7 days | Summer | — |
| Lilac | 3–5 days | Spring | — |
| Mugwort | 5–7 days | Summer | — |
| Buddha’s hand citron | 14–30 days | Autumn, Winter | — |
| Winter daphne | 5–7 days | Winter, Spring | mildly toxic |
Lightly scented
RoseCarnationBaby's breathChamomileOrchids (cut)Tree peonyPeony (herbaceous)ChrysanthemumIrisLotusWater lilyWaxflowerSalviaCalendulaAlliumGrape hyacinth (Muscari)BouvardiaChinese iris
Using scent well
- One scented element is usually enough. Two strong scents in one design tend to fight.
- Warm rooms intensify fragrance, and some flowers, such as tuberose, smell stronger at night.
- Ask before you send: fragrance is the most common reason a client wants a flower left out.
Unscented and low-pollen flowers · Flowers for a hospital visit: what to send and avoid
FAQ
Which cut flowers have the strongest scent?
Lily, Narcissus (daffodil), Wintersweet, Freesia, Hyacinth, Lily of the valley, Stock (Matthiola), Gardenia, Jasmine, Lavender, Marigold, Wisteria, Osmanthus, Sweet pea, Tuberose, Lilac, Mugwort, Buddha’s hand citron, Winter daphne.
Which fragrant flowers are in season in each season?
Spring: freesia, hyacinth, lily of the valley, stock (matthiola), wisteria, sweet pea, lilac, winter daphne; Summer: gardenia, jasmine, lavender, marigold, tuberose, mugwort; Autumn: marigold, osmanthus, buddha’s hand citron; Winter: narcissus (daffodil), wintersweet, freesia, hyacinth, stock (matthiola), buddha’s hand citron, winter daphne.
When should strongly scented flowers be avoided?
Hospital visits and condolences, dining tables and restaurants, small or closed rooms, and anyone who is sensitive to fragrance.
Do roses smell?
Most commercial cut roses are only lightly scented; they are bred for vase life and shape. Garden-type varieties are the fragrant exception.