Since the first one is a Buxus sempervirens cultivar it would be expected to have the characteristic odor. I haven't noticed the Asian boxes being as assertive with their aromas.

Is it universally disliked? I love the smell of boxwood, but assume it's because it always reminds me of my grandmother's home and my childhood. Some dislike the scent of a ligustrum( privet)blossom, while others like it. Am I all alone in liking it or , at least, not minding the smell of boxwood??

Leahcate - I don't think the dislike is universal. I have a keen sense of smell and have had boxwood in warmer climates. When I pruned it, it seemed to emit an earthy amoma which did not make me recoil. Maybe I'm just not such a "sensitive plant" when it comes to scents. Boxwood being such a popular shrub for all sorts of applications - not everyone is turned off.

Many odors can become intensely more cloying to some in hot and humid climates - here in my part of the world, really hot and humid is pretty much an unknown. There are several boxwood varieties that do well here - and I'm going to try a few of them primarily for their deer resistance. I hope they do smell!

Thanks duluth...good to hear not everyone thinks they smell like cat urine, or whatever :>O At any rate, it's certainly not an over-powering scent. I usually must pick a few leaves to crush to determine if it is boxwood vs. another look alike shrub with no scent ... name escapes me :>/

Has anyone noticed that a large grouping of fragrant hyacinths smell like WD-40, or is it just me?

It's just you.

I love the smell of English boxwood and would have more here if it did better in Maine. It reminds me of the old library from my home town that was surrounded by boxwoods that smelled wonderful in the summer.