Daphne

In Greek mythology, Daphne was a free-spirited nymph who rejected the idea of marriage for a life of simple pleasures.  From there, the story doesn't go well for her.

Daphne the shrub.  Even if you don't know it, you may have walked down a street in January or February and asked whomever you're with what that heavenly scent on the breeze is.  

It's the end of February and as I type this, I get little whiffs of the most exquisite spicy sweetness from the tiny sprig I have in a vase on my desk.  I not a big fan of hyacinths (intensely green) or paper whites (heady and cloying), but to me daphne's floral sweetness is ethereal.  Even one tiny cluster of pink flowers in a vase can fill a room with a gentle airy aroma.

I did grow daphne in California, but they're better adapted to the Northwest.  Although, mine here have taken a beating from the ice the last couple years.  There are many varieties--some summer blooming and white flowered.  My favorite is Winter Daphne Aureomarginata Odora, with yellow/white leaf margins.  It's a lovely surprise in mid-winter and you don't have to get up close to enjoy it.  It's one plant I recommend everyone grow--just for the brief weeks of joy it brings.  I have five plants--one near each doorway.