The Ylang-Ylang produces masses of greenish-yellow star-shaped flowers, with six long, drooping petals. The flowers start out light green, change to yellow and then eventually to a light orange color as they mature.

While the flowers may be primitive, their scent is not. The sweet fragrance of the Ylang-Ylang will fill not only in your yard, but your neighbor's yard as well. When approaching the Ylang-Ylang, you will notice the strong aromatic scent wafting through the air long before you spot the tree itself. It's no wonder that the oil of this flower is used as the basis for Chanel No 5 perfume. Take one bloom in the house and the fragrance will quickly fill all the rooms.

Flowers appear throughout the year, with "flushes" of heavy blooming. The Ylang-Ylang can start producing flowers when only 3-5 feet tall.

This is an evergreen tree, with gracefully drooping branches. A mature Ylang-Ylang in a tropical environment can reach upwards of 30 feet. It will not reach that height if grown in a container, but it is a reliable bloomer.

Ylang-Ylangs are hardy in zones 9B-11. They cannot tolerate frost, and must be protected from freezing weather. They like high humidity, and rich, fast-draining soil. They do best when grown in full sun to part shade.

Be careful and patient with your new tree, and it will reward you with the most fragrant "flower of flowers"!