By Emma Di Salvo
Is there anything more uplifting than walking into someone’s home and being greeted by the smell of fresh flowers? Not only is it pleasing to the senses, it also demonstrates a certain level of care and consideration over one’s home.
With apartments becoming increasingly popular and many people not having a garden, here are five of my favourite indoor plants guaranteed to stimulate your schnozzle.
Orange Blossom
Orange blossom, from the Brigaradier tree, was first discovered in China and India. While the exact date of origin is unknown, we know that by the 16th century, it had made its way around the Mediterranean. While the French considered the orange flower a symbol of love, it represented purity for Christians.
I’ve always loved the orange blossom because of the memories I attach to its smell (I grew an orange blossom on my tiny balcony at University!). Its citrus notes provide a fresh, clean feeling, and its fruitiness brings the right balance, so it isn’t overpowering. Not only that, the bright, cheerful little orange flowers are enough to turn any drab space into an exciting corner of your home.
Orchids (Bellina and Violacea)
Popular with the Ancient Greeks, the orchid was originally associated with fertility and virtue. This is a no-fuss, easygoing, low-maintenance plant, making it ideal for first-time gardeners. The two most fragrant orchid plants to consider for your home are the Bellina and Violacea. They possess delightful sweet-smelling flowers and have that special touch of class and elegance, which is aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
I received a potted Bellina orchid for my 21st birthday, and what struck me the most was the similarity between the smell of the orchid and that of a rose. This is a beautiful and extremely fragrant plant.
Narcissus (Bridal Crown)
Commonly known as a daffodil, Narcissus bridal crown is a brilliant choice for any plant lover. It is ideal for indoor cultivation and has beautiful delicate white flowers and a powerful yet inoffensive smell. People have compared the scent of the narcissus to that of jasmine, another popular and widely used plant. The narcissus plant has been used in perfumery going back centuries, firstly by the Arabs, then the Romans, before ending its journey in China (likely via the Silk Road).
I’m ashamed to say that this daffodil variant was a stranger to me until about a year ago when I visited a friend for lunch in her home. What immediately struck me about this plant was how sweet the flowers smelled. It was impossible to ignore as it filled her room with the most beautiful fragrance. I can certainly understand why this plant is nicknamed the “bridal crown.”
Roses (Red)
There’s a reason for the expression “coming up smelling like roses”. From its beautifully shaped petals, gorgeous deep red colour and magically romantic scent, the reputation of the rose is well deserved. The symbolic meaning of the rose has always been associated with love and romance. Shakespeare was so inspired by the rose that it featured in many of his poems, and today still reigns supreme as the ultimate flower for expressing affection.
My first experience of the rose was from watching the movie ‘Beauty and the Beast’. After this, it’s fair to say I became a little obsessed! If you want to experience the magic of roses in your home, the best way to grow them is in a conservatory where they will have access to plenty of light.
Hyacinth (Delft Blue)
The last beauty on my list is the Hyacinth. There are many variations, but in my experience, the one that smells the best is the delft blue. Its delicate periwinkle colouring and light fragrant scent make it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts. Interestingly, it is said to have got its name from a story dating back to the Ancient Greeks. In the story, a young boy named Hyacinth was accidentally killed during a game of discus. As he lay in the arms of the God Apollo, it is said that this flower grew from the cut in his head!
Because of this, the hyacinth plant is thought to represent a desire for forgiveness. The best way to grow one is indoors in a pot or vase. Place it somewhere cool and dark before taking it into a lighter spot, and then enjoy its pretty blossoms and lovely aroma.
Growing plants indoors is an excellent way of creating a unique and inviting living space. Whether you choose to grow orange blossoms, orchids, narcissus, roses, hyacinths or some other fragrant, flowering plant, the beauty of indoor planting is that once you have chosen the plants and fragrances that work best for you, your home instantly becomes transformed and ‘grows’ into a paradise of your own making. Happy planting…and smelling.