Mignonette ‘Little Darling’ of a Flower
DESPITE ITS SMALL STATURE, mignonette (Reseda odorata) has captured the hearts of both gardeners and poets for centuries. I first came across a mention of mignonette in a garden book, and I thought a plant whose name meant “little darling” in French had to be something special. Nineteenth-century authors further confirmed my feelings with glowing praise for its clean, violet-like fragrance. I remember being somewhat disappointed the first time I saw a picture of it, however. The plant can reach 2 feet in height, but often remains closer to 1 foot tall, with narrow, crinkled green leaves and loose spikes of small cream and orange flowers. Its Latin name is derived from the Latin resedare, meaning “to assuage,” because it was believed useful in healing bruises and pains, and from , “scented.” Historically, people believed that the plant had magical powers and that its fragrance could ward off certain diseases carried through the air.
