I walked into my kitchen this morning from the family room and noticed an awful smell as I passed the kitchen table. It reminded me of an old wet diaper, sorry, I know that is gross but that is the best way I could describe it. I looked around and found nothing. Then I noticed this in the corner, just beginning to bloom.....
Ah! I found the culprit! How could such a sweet little flower smell so bad? Is it just me or does anyone else think they stink?
The last time I grew paperwhites was about 10 years ago, and at the time I told myself never again because I had about 20 of them and the house stunk! But lately I have been reading blogs and everyone had paperwhites(this was just before Christmas) and were commenting on how they love them so and they smell so sweet. I thought, "huh, maybe I just had a bad batch". So a few weeks ago when I was at a floral shop, I picked a 6 bulbs up and thought I would give them a second chance. Well, I tried, and still the same result, YUCK!!! They are pretty, but I'm going to have to move them out of the kitchen so I can eat dinner at the table, as the little high chair they sit on is right next to my seat!!
So what do you think? Do you like the smell of paperwhites?
Have a great day,
Tiff
I remember the first time my aunt said they smelled like cat pee. I was horrified, because I think they smell awesome! So, I guess you either love them or you hate them! They sure are pretty though!
ReplyDeleteWon't grow them anymore for the same reason...they reek! They are pretty though.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Courtney
Hee Hee....I have some about ready to flower.....and about 12 years ago I declared never to let them bloom in my house because I couldn't stand the smell....we will see how long they last! :)
ReplyDeleteTiff ~
ReplyDeleteI have loved paperwhites for many, many years and cat pee is a very apt description of what they smell like, but that doesn't stop me from growing them.
Hugs :)
Lauren
Tiff,
ReplyDeleteI had never grown any before and I wanted to try some in the house. I had them in a separate bedroom that I could close the door on because our cats like to get into my plants. One day when I opened the door I smelled such a stink I wondered where that smell was coming from. Well it didn't take long to figure out that it was the paperwhites because they were just starting to bloom. They are very pretty but yes they sure do stink. I put a picture of them on my blog.
Becky at Ginger Creme Hollow
Tiff...I agree and I thought it was just me!
ReplyDeleteI think I will try some crocus bulbs.
Linda
LOL! THey aure are pretty, but I've never grown them before. I don't have a green thub :(
ReplyDeleteKim
Goodness, that was supposed to be green thumb...
ReplyDeleteKim
Thanks for the heads up. Never will they be in my home. They are pretty though. -Steph-
ReplyDeletehad them in my house one time and that was the last, yuck, who wants a house to smell like cat pee!!!!!!!!! I am with you.
ReplyDeleteFunny funny funny! As soon as I saw the picture the thought came to me "mmm, paperwhites, the smell is so wonderful!" and then I read your post. So sorry they smell wonderful to some of us, and so horrible to you; but they are lovely!
ReplyDeleteI can't stand them either!
ReplyDeleteI have to do a few bridal bouquets a month and the 'paperwhite's' believe or not are requested for their scent..??!
ReplyDeleteI do NOT like the way they smell until mixed in with Casablanca Lilies which if you've ever noticed are super fragrant as well-they happily balance each other out.
THEN THERE IS THIS TRICK
If you pluck out the pollenating stems from the cent of the flower it will almost kill the scent entirely.
Either way it's a beautiful flower that stinks!
J