What Gives Flowers Their Scent?

Flowers vary greatly in the scents they produce.

Flowers emit different scents, some desirable and some not. A large number of flower varieties have no scent at all. Some flowers are more fragrant at different times of day, while others smell the most strongly during the night.

Identification

The buds of flowers contain a diverse mixture of compounds. As the flower matures and blooms, these volatile substances react to the atmosphere and air, creating different aromas.

Types

Flowers produce different smells depending on their pollination needs. Since bees and butterflies prefer to propagate sweet-smelling plants, they are attracted to flowers like roses and other highly fragrant flowers popular for bouquets and vases. Flies, bats or moths pollinate flowering plants that have an off-putting odor, such as geraniums.

Considerations

Flowers normally smell their strongest when they are at the prime stage for pollination. After pollination, their fragrance typically dissipates to drive the pollinators towards more fertile destinations.

References

• "Scientific American" magazine: What Gives Flowers Their Scent?
• Central Coast Geranium Society: What Gives Flowers Their Scent?