Hi RRoss,
I have not come across any roses that make me ill when I smell them, but I do have a theory of sorts about why you may have reacted that way :)

I use a lot of essential oils in my day to day life. I have a cupboard full of them and I usually put a drop or two in an oil burner just to make my environment smell nice.

I choose the oils that I will use by instinct and by what I know I would like to smell as opposed to what I just instinctively know will make me feel ill that day.

I have found that some of the oils that I use smell delightful one day but on other days I feel physically ill if I sniff them. I am talking about the *very same* oils here :)

It is quite possible that something similar to this happened to you when you smelled DD.

The sense of smell is a very powerful thing. The feelings and reactions it evokes can be quite astounding and unexpected. There is nothing like scent to stir memories, for example.

I don't know how or why it works that way, but I do know that it happens.

I also know that Geranium oil (for example) smells wonderful to me one day and disgusting the next. I just don't know *why* . I assume that it has something to do with what my body needs or doesn't need at that time.

If you think you can stomach it, may I suggest that you try smelling DD again (possibly a few months down the track) just to see if you have the same reaction?

kind regards,
MeriBast.

I haven't felt physically ill, but I think I'm getting a reasonable reputation for having an aversion to those roses described as Myrrh scented...and Troilus ....honey scented my ****. I couldn't believe my nose when first I sniffed, YUCK! ....of course I took care to warn everyone sniffing the particular posey of flowers to avoid it....which only made them determined to sniff...the expressions on the faces said it all!
It's actually really useful...narrows down which DA roses to buy quite considerably...though Cymbaline is worth ago anyway, such a lovely and unique colour.

Yes Snodge, I can't handle that myrrh smell either. I have it in Mary Rose and Fair bianca in particular. It's a pong.

Haven't experienced this in a rose but I also use an oil burner occasionally and one particular oil "Peach" was awful. It also gave me a headache. I love the natural smell of a peach so can offer no scientific explanation except perhaps the oil was synthetic.

i couldnt understand how my daughter didnt like the fragrance of dd and i liked it. maybee we smell things differently and it is interesting if that is the case and people smell things differently.
kevin

Perfume Perfection smells uck to me! Don't really like the smell of fragrant cloud either.

I had a discussion with Larry on this once.
He recommeded a rose to me and loved it's perfume, I smelled it and thought.. well I wouldn't write home about it.. and when I said that to him he said we all smell things differently, and I have come to think he is right.
However, I'll join the club of those who dislike myhrr, it always smells like Medallion Cough Balsam to me *phew*
Nothing will turn me away from a rose label quicker than it saying myhrr scent. :(

FragranceNut - you don't like Perfume Perfection? Can you identify what you don't like about it? It's one of my only three rose bushes and I find it fresh and lemony smelling. I hope that I don't suddenly start hating it now I've read your comment!

Scent is a strange thing. I have not been on this forum for over 4 1/2 yrs! I had a a couple of tragedies in my life and haven't been able to write about anything or to anyone. Roses are still my love - that can never change.

Anyway, I understand that problem quite well. Going through my 'change of life' has made me near-to-nauseus when I smell perfume.

Even before my 'change of life' cycle began, I didn't like DD as well. Although, it was one of my husband's favourite roses. Despite the fact that you either like or dislike the scent, ascetically it looks gorgeous, with that two-tone colouring.

I'm sorry to disagree with you, but I just love the scent of myrrh on Austin's roses. My old time favourite is St Cecilia, amongst many others.

I also like the fact that you can add pictures into the forum now, as well. Just like the American one!

Lee

PS the email adr is incorrect. I will change it later.

I never liked the smell of Avon all that much but I wouldn't call any rose perfume "evil"!

I can't stand the smell of Leander rose
Jan.

welcome back Crimson Rose,

may your garden be full of roses with lovely scent.

Deryn

Im desperate to buy a Pat Austin and I always think it cant be as bad a fragrance as I remember it and when I steel myself again IT ALWAYS IS!! I would love to have this rose but I just cant bring myself to pay money for that smell

It is Tamora for me. Again that myrrh smell. Love DD, Mr Lincoln and Blue Moon etc.
In the book 'Yates Roses' by Roger Mann he says what he thinks of a fragrance and what the common body of knowledge says, quite a few times they are different, another example how we all experience scent in a different way.
Cheers
Judy

I am delighted to read that there are other amongst you who find some David Austin roses just awful. I recall being quite shocked after bending to smell the most beautifully formed david austin rose, only to wonder what was wrong. Yes, it is the myrrh fragrance. Resembles cat piddle I think !!!!!
Good thing the flowers are lovely. Old world roses take some beating for perfume.

I think there must be some problems with the roses, maybe it was damage by disease and insect.

Here is a link that might be useful: Authentic asics shoes

Geees, look at this response!! And folks, me included, thought this site was a waste of time! I wonder how many do actually read but don't, and never do, post? I've searched my memory and I've also grown and sniffed Double Delight and, except for Rosa Foetida, I haven't nosed a rose a didn't like.

You are right about the responses Bill, I think many people visit but can't be bothered to write as it now takes so long with all the previewing that goes on. I just wish people would respond so that we know they are looking in. I don't think there is a rose with a perfume that I don't like, although I like some more than others. Love Double Delight, Mr. Lincoln and Avon.

I have blue moon and for some reason the smell reminds me of dishwashing liquid. But I love it anyway...