If you love the look of paperwhites but don’t love their strong perfume… you are absolutely not alone! These elegant winter blooms are a favorite for holiday decorating, gifting, and adding a little “living flower magic” to your home during the colder months. But here’s the good news: not all paperwhites smell the same!

Some varieties are delightfully low-scent, lightly fragrant, or even almost scent-free—which means you can enjoy their beauty without the overpowering aroma. Today I’m sharing the most reliable low-scent paperwhite varieties so you know exactly what to look for when shopping this season. Get ready to fall in love with paperwhites all over again!

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Low-Scent Paperwhite Varieties (For Anyone Who Loves the Look… but Not the Smell!)

If you adore the beauty of paperwhites but the strong fragrance isn’t your favorite, you’re in luck. Not all paperwhite varieties smell the same! Some are naturally low-scent, lightly fragrant, or even nearly fragrance-free. Here are the best choices to look for when you want gorgeous winter blooms without the overpowering perfume.

1. Inbal

Often considered the least fragrant of all paperwhites.

• Soft, subtle scent that many describe as “barely there”
• Pure white blooms
• Perfect for indoor forcing and winter gifting

2. Wintersun

A top pick if you want something very lightly scented.

• Nearly fragrance-free
• White petals with a warm yellow cup
• Elegant and cheerful, especially around Christmas

3. Nir

A beautiful and mildly fragrant option.

• Lighter scent than traditional paperwhites
• Crisp white blooms
• Great for centerpieces and table displays

4. Galilee

Another gentle, low-scent variety similar to Inbal.

• Clean white blooms
• Strong grower with sturdy stems
• Great for larger pots or group plantings

5. Grand Soleil d’Or

Not technically low-scent, but the fragrance is pleasantly citrus-sweet rather than musky.

• Yellow blooms with a fresh, fruity scent
• A great choice for people who still want fragrance—but not that paperwhite fragrance

6. Ziva Lite

A toned-down version of the classic (and very fragrant) Ziva.

• Lighter, more delicate scent
• Looks identical to traditional paperwhites
• A nice middle-ground option

7. Wintersong

A newer variety with a soft, subtle fragrance.

• Beautiful snowy white blooms
• Great for forcing in containers

Shop Paperwhite Bulbs

• INBAL Paperwhites
• WINTERSUN Paperwhites
• Several Paperwhite Options
• More Paperwhite Bulbs
• FAUX PAPERWHITES WITH NO SMELL (ha ha)

Quick Tip:

Even low-scent varieties can become more fragrant when grown in warm rooms or clustered tightly together. If you’re sensitive to scent, spread them out in cooler areas of your home for the best experience.

Low-Scent Paperwhite Varieties

I hope this list helps you choose the perfect paperwhites for your home this winter—especially if you’ve avoided them in the past because of their strong scent. These low-scent varieties truly make it possible to enjoy all the charm and elegance of paperwhites without the headache. If you decide to grow any of these, I’d love to hear which ones you choose! And if you’re gifting paperwhites this season, don’t forget I have free printable gift tags and tutorials to help you share these beautiful living gifts with friends and family. Happy winter gardening, friends!

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xoxo,

Kelly