The Power of Fragrance in Flowers

We have all often heard the saying, “stop and smell the roses.” This saying encourages the listener to take time to enjoy the little joys in life, like the scent of flowers that can be so easily overlooked. Whether you are busy taxiing the kids to sports or working long hours at your job, everyone could use a little more relaxation in their non-stop schedules. 

Aside from relaxation though, smelling pleasing fragrances can also have other benefits. Certain floral fragrances have energizing effects and pleasant smells can evoke fond memories. In the midst of busy life, a flower delivery from Kremp Florist can bring the roses to that friend or loved one in your life who is celebrating a special occasion, needs a pick-me-up, or moment of zen. The recipient won’t be able to help but stop and smell the flowers when they receive a beautiful bouquet at their home or office.

Fragrance and Memories 

Everyone can think of a fragrance that brings up happy memories. Maybe it is the smell of fresh cut grass that reminds you of fun times at soccer practice as a kid. Or maybe the aroma of bread baking makes you think of delicious meals at grandma’s house. This link between smell and memory is hard wired in our brains. When an odor enters the nose, it is detected by nerve cells that carry that signal to the brain. The olfactory response is directly linked to the part of the brain known as the amygdala, which is part of the emotional center and is also responsible for the fight or flight response. This process of chemo-detection, in which we detect chemicals related to smell or taste, is the most primitive of the senses granted to even basic, single-cell organisms. It is integral in how we perceive the world around us.

Wonderfully Fragrant Flowers 

Now that you understand how fragrance is connected to memories in our brains, you may be wondering which types of flowers have pleasing fragrances. While all flowers have some smell to them, certain varieties are known particularly for this feature. Varieties of flowers and greenery with heavenly scents include:

• Cedar
• Cymbidium orchids
• Eucalyptus
• Freesia
• Fir branches
• Gardenias
• Garden Roses
• Hyacinths
• Hybrid Lilies
• Jasmine
• Lavender
• Lilac
• Lily of the Valley
• Peonies
• Pine
• Roses
• Spray Roses
• Stock
• Sweet Peas
• Tuberose

Scents for All Occasions 

Since fragrances have the power to evoke feelings and emotions, Kremp Florist can help you choose the right flowers to give your recipient exactly what he or she needs for the occasion, such as:

• Get Well. When a friend is recovering, he will need plenty of rest and relaxation. Scents of lavender and lilac are calming, so that the body can store up the energy needed to restore itself to health. Pair the subtle fragrances with pastel hues for an overall serene effect for your get-well floral design. 

• Wedding. A wedding day is one of the most emotional days in a couple’s life. Roses are a traditional choice for this day, as their fragrance has long been known as a symbol of love and passion. Garden roses are many-petaled varieties that also have a more pronounced scent. Fragrant peonies are popular for couples whose wedding date falls within their brief growing season. Be sure to remember the type of flower your significant other carried in her bouquet or wore in his boutonniere. Gifting those same varieties for future wedding anniversary flowers will evoke all the happy feelings shared on that special day when she breathes in the scent. 

• Funeral or Memorial.  Hybrid lilies like Stargazers or Casablancas are frequently used in memorial arrangements because of their intoxicating fragrance. The freshness of the scent brings peace and hope to those who are mourning. The large size of the blooms makes them stand out in large basket arrangements or standing sprays. 

• Graduation. Spicy scents, like those found in freesia and stock, are energizing for those who have just graduated and are about to embark on a new chapter of life. Flowers with these scents can be designed in a wrapped bouquet to take along to the ceremony. Add in cheery colors like pink, yellow, green, blue, or orange to have your grad ready to go out and seize the future ahead of them.

The article was created by Chad Kremp