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Lilies are prized for their beauty, elegance, and fragrance, which can be sweet and subtle, with hints of spice and citrus. However, some people dislike the scent to the point of avoiding lilies altogether. While lilies are known to lose their fragrance over time, several factors determine how long their scent lasts.
The scent of lilies can vary depending on the species and cultivars. For example, the Oriental lily is known for its strong, sweet, and spicy aroma, while the Asiatic lilies have a more delicate fragrance.
The way lilies are stored can also impact their fragrance. Proper storage, such as keeping them away from direct sunlight and heat, can help preserve their scent for years. On the other hand, storing them in fluctuating temperatures or exposing them to oxygen can accelerate the deterioration of their fragrance.
Additionally, lilies naturally release scent compounds in a circadian rhythm, with higher emissions at certain times of the day.
Furthermore, lilies can be categorized into fragrance-free varieties, such as the Asiatic lilies, and scented varieties like the Oriental and Longiflorum lilies.
Lastly, the genetic diversity of lily terpene synthase genes and the presence of certain scent compounds, such as methyl benzoate and monoterpenes, may also influence how long a lily's fragrance lasts.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Scent | Sweet and subtle, with notes of spice, citrus, vanilla, jasmine, honey, and cinnamon |
Scent variation | Depends on the species and cultivars |
Scent loss | Yes, lilies can lose their fragrance over time due to oxidation |
Aroma | Complex, with multiple layers |
Longevity of fragrance | Properly stored fragrances can last for decades |
Factors affecting scent | Temperature, humidity, and storage conditions |
Hybridization | Has resulted in fragrance-free varieties |
What You'll Learn
Lilies are categorised into three groups: Asiatic, Longiflorum, and Oriental lilies
Asiatic lilies are hybrids known for their vibrant and colourful blooms. They come in a range of colours, including orange, yellow, red, pink, and white. These lilies are showy flowers with star-like blossoms and wide petals. They bloom in late spring or early summer and have little to no scent. Asiatic lilies are easy to grow and maintain, making them a popular choice for gardeners.
Longiflorum lilies, also known as Easter lilies, are native to Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands in Japan. They grow up to 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) tall and produce trumpet-shaped, outward-facing, fragrant white flowers. The flowering season for these lilies is from April to June. Longiflorum lilies hold symbolic value in Christianity, representing the resurrection of Christ.
Oriental lilies, on the other hand, are known for their immense, fragrant flowers and vibrant colours. They are considered among the most beautiful lily types and are highly prized by florists, home gardeners, and landscape designers. Oriental lilies bloom in the mid to late summer and fill the garden with a luxuriant fragrance. They are cold-hardy and come back year after year with even more blooms.
While lilies are beloved for their beauty and fragrance, it is important to note that they are toxic to cats and, to a lesser extent, dogs.
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Asiatic lilies are fragrance-free and have delicate flowers
Lilies are known for their beauty and fragrance, but not all lilies are fragrant. Asiatic lilies, for example, are generally fragrance-free and have delicate flowers. This makes them a perfect choice for people who are sensitive to scent or have allergies.
Asiatic lilies are known for their stunning colours and are the most abundant group of lilies available. They offer a wide range of colours, including pure white, yellow, orange, red, pink, and various combinations, except blue. Their flowers are large and open flat, creating a wide, showy bowl of colour. They are perennial bulbs that bloom with upright flowers and are very adaptable, thriving in most types of soil.
Asiatic lilies are less fragrant than other types of lilies, such as Oriental lilies, which are known for their strong, classic lily smell. While some people describe the scent of lilies as sweet and floral with hints of spice and citrus, others compare it to fresh laundry or a gentle spring breeze. The fragrance of Asiatic lilies is even more subtle and delicate, and you may not notice it until you get close to the flower. Their scent is often described as fresh citrus or lemon with a hint of honey.
Asiatic lilies are easy to grow and can be found in most areas, making them a great way to start the lily season. Their bulbs are typically five to six inches in circumference, and they multiply well, making them ideal for those who want to enjoy a burst of colour in their gardens without worrying about fragrance or pollen stains.
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Lilies are hybridised to create fragrance-free varieties
The LA hybrids have largely replaced the Asiatics in the cut flower market. They are increasing in popularity compared to the Asiatic hybrids, which are among the earliest to bloom in early-to-mid-summer and the easiest to grow.
Another hybrid variety with a slight fragrance is the Orienpet lily 'Gluhwein', which was introduced as a cut flower. It has soft peach flowers with a hint of cream and some reddish tones. Its attractive blossoms contrast nicely with its nearly black stems and rich, dark green foliage. Blooming in mid-to-late summer, this lily is well-suited as a border plant and for containers and cutting gardens.
The LA hybrids and Orienpet lilies are examples of interdivisional hybrids, which are the result of crossing between the various hybrid divisions.
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Lilies have a complex scent with multiple layers
Lilies are known for their complex and multifaceted scent profiles. While lilies are famous for their beauty and elegance, their fragrance can be challenging to describe due to its intricate nature.
The scent of lilies can be broadly characterised as sweet and subtle, evoking a sense of purity and elegance. However, within this overarching fragrance, there are multiple layers that contribute to the overall aroma. Some people detect a hint of spice and a touch of citrus, while others compare the scent to fresh laundry or a gentle spring breeze. The lily's fragrance is often described as soft, powdery, and woody, with underlying floral notes.
The variation in the lily's scent can be attributed to the different species and cultivars. For example, the Oriental lily is known for its strong, sweet, and spicy aroma, filling an entire room with its fragrance. In contrast, Asiatic lilies have a more delicate fragrance, likened to fresh citrus or lemon with a hint of honey. Trumpet lilies, on the other hand, have a sweet and heady aroma with a hint of spice, comparable to the scent of gardenias or jasmine flowers, with a touch of vanilla.
The complexity of the lily's scent can also be attributed to the various compounds that contribute to its fragrance. Monoterpenes, for instance, are a class of terpenes found in lilies that play a significant role in their scent profiles. Additionally, benzenoids, phenylpropanoids, and fatty acid derivatives are among the major chemical classes that influence the lily's aroma.
The unique scent of lilies has been a source of inspiration for perfumers and fragrance enthusiasts for centuries. The key to capturing the essence of lilies in perfumery lies in balancing their sweetness with their floral aroma. When used in candles or perfumes, lilies provide a delightful and captivating fragrance that is beloved by many.
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Lilies are used in perfumes and fragrances
Lilies have been used in perfumery for centuries, with a history that dates back to ancient Egypt and Greece. The flower's subtle yet intoxicating fragrance, which can be sweet, spicy, and floral, has made it a popular choice for perfumes and fragrances. The scent of lilies is often associated with femininity and elegance, and it is said to evoke a sense of purity and innocence.
The lily's fragrance is derived from its long pistil, located within the heart of the flower. This scent is complex and multifaceted, with multiple layers that can be challenging to describe. Some people compare the fragrance of lilies to fresh laundry or a gentle spring breeze, while others detect hints of spice and citrus. The scent varies across different species and cultivars, but lilies are generally known for their soft, powdery, and sweet fragrance with underlying woody notes.
In perfumery, lilies are commonly used in middle notes, adding a delicate touch to feminine fragrances. They blend well with other floral scents, such as orange blossom, rose, and ylang-ylang, as well as spices like pepper. The base notes of lily-based perfumes often include woody elements such as labdanum, Tolu balm, and benzoin. One notable example of a lily-based perfume is Rochas' "Absolu," which combines the sweetness of the lily with spicy and woody accords.
The versatility of lilies allows them to be used in a variety of fragrance combinations. They can be found in both floral and oriental perfumes, adding a touch of refinement and subtlety. Cacharel's "Anaïs Anaïs" is a classic, romantic fragrance that showcases the lily alongside lily of the valley, rose, and ylang-ylang. Azzaro for Elle by Azzaro is another example of a woody scent that features the lily as its middle note, paired with rose, cardamom, and cashmere wood. Chanel's "Beige" is a feminine fragrance that blends the lily with jasmine, ylang-ylang, and honey, resulting in a beautiful floral bouquet.
The popularity of lilies in perfumery is not limited to the present day. In ancient Egypt, lilies were used in a perfumed ointment made from the flowers of 2000 lilies. The ancient Greeks valued the Madonna lily for its scent, using it to create a perfume called Susinon. Today, modern technology, such as 'headspace' technology, allows perfumers to capture the complex aroma of lilies and recreate it flawlessly in the laboratory.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, lilies can lose their fragrance over time, especially if they are not stored properly. Lilies that are stored away from light and heat can last for years, while those exposed to sunlight and air may deteriorate faster. Additionally, once a fragrance has been used, oxygen flows back into the bottle, initiating a chemical process called 'oxidation' that can alter the scent over time.
To prolong the fragrance of lilies, it is important to store them properly. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat, and avoid exposing them to extreme temperature fluctuations. Storing lilies at room temperature in a well-ventilated area can help maintain their fragrance.
The fragrance of lilies can vary depending on the species and cultivars. For example, Oriental lilies are known for their strong, sweet, and spicy aroma, while Asiatic lilies have a more delicate fragrance. Additionally, factors such as temperature and humidity can influence the fragrance of lilies.