Comparative analysis of floral scent profiles between two Chimonanthus praecox plants under different rhythms and blooming stages

•This study on comparative analysis of floral scent ingredients in two varieties of Chimonanthus praecox offers an understating on the composition and variations of fragrance factors under different rhythms.•The numbers of compounds in two C. praecox varieties are comparable number wise, differed widely in composition.•Higher (−)-myrtenol contents could be found in the two varieties of C. praecox flowers. l diurnal fluctuation in the of compounds can be inferred with higher in C. praecox flowers during the day time (7 a.m. and 1 p.m.).•The amounts and contents of floral scent compounds in different C. praecox varieties were affected differently by temperature,humidity,and light intensity.