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Acacia
There are few more delicious smells than that of an acacia tree in full bloom.
The scent is produced by large numbers of small, fluffy balls of yellow flowers that open in late winter and continue to flourish into spring.
Sprays of the flowers can often be bought in florists shops in early winter where they go under the common name of mimosa.
They are not plants that have a need for a great deal of heat, and in fact they can occasionally be grown out of doors in temperate climates. It is possible that they may survive in a cold house with no heat at all, as long as they are kept fairly dry over winter. However to be sure of success, keep them in a cool house at a minimum temperature of 40C and make sure they are getting temperature of 16-270C in summer when the flowers are forming. They do have need for a great deal of light, and they should be positioned where they will get as much as possible. The best sized acacia for the average conservatory or greenhouse is Acacia Armata. However it is Acacia Dealbata, the silver Wattle that produces the beautifully scented flowers. This grows extremely large up to 30m in height if left unpruned, so will need cutting back every spring after the flowers have faded if you are to keep under control. Do not let it grow large and then try to cut it back, as it does not respond well to hard pruning. It also has lovely silvery foliage that folds up at night. Both types should be fed occasionally over summer.
Soil: Well-drained, multi purpose compost, or in a green house or conservatory border.
Temperature: Cool house or outdoor where conditions are suitable a 2-40C is required.
Water & humidity: Water well during summer and sparingly during winter. Little else is required.
General care: Suffers for being attacked by scale insects and red spider mites. Yellow leaves suggest low temperature.