But while many species of this flower genus (technically Hippeastrum) are relatively fragrance-free, over the years, breeders have successfully created a number of hybrids with a variety of appealing scents.
Those reported to be fragrent include Appleblossom (white & pink), Blossom Peacock (red with white bands), Minera (red petals & white stripes), and Jewel (white with crepe petals).
And this growing trend for scented Amaryllis has not gone unnoticed. One of the world’s leading perfume houses, Dolce & Gabbana, has unlocked this well-kept secret by incorporating Amaryllis in the heart notes of its latest fragrance, Dolce.
The Dolce & Gabbana website describes these notes in their own inimitable style: “A unique and opulent combination of White Water Lily and bold White Daffodil blend perfectly with the full-bodied White Amaryllis, a South African flower used for the first time ever in scent.”
Now that the true beauty of the Amaryllis scent has been unleashed, could this be the next big flower in the fragrance world?
This desire to capture the essence of fresh flowers is, of course, nothing new. Perfumers have been trying to bottle their scent since Ancient Egyptian times.
But one thing is for sure, nothing beats the smell of a beautiful bouquet in your home for a freshness that can never be recreated in a bottle.
So if you really want to indulge in the scent of Amaryllis this Christmas, head to your local florist and treat yourself to the real thing.
