I have a relatively small space, and both types of bulbs have intoxicating scents. Don’t believe the marketing jazz about the sweet musky scent. They smell horrid. Paperwhites especially. They make me feel nauseous, and they give me a headache.

A bit of digging uncovered the reason.  The scent of paperwhites (Narcissus spp, Tazetta cultivars) contains indole. Apparently indole is the natural whiff of decay associated with animal purification. Yum, I want that fragrance in my home.

I couldn’t find any information on hyacinth scent, but I’m suspicious. Anything that makes me gag, can’t be good for you. It reminds me of the time a fellow student brought in datura (Brugmansia spp) bouquet into art class. Within minutes I had a pounding headache. Yup, brugmansias are known for their indole as well.

Enough said. This winter I’m sticking to amaryllis (Hippeasturms): gorgeous flamboyant blooms, without a scent.