Fragrant plants for the garden

With so many fragrant plants, it seems that most the perfumed species are associated with flowers, however many common garden plants have foliage that gives a nice fragrance as well. Some are even uses to make perfume, we look at some of the best, all of which you can grow in your own garden.

When designing a garden it is important to consider a range of plants that will provide fragrance at different times of the year. Placement of plants where the fragrance will be noticed is also important.

It needs to be remembered that not every plant in a genus are as fragrant as others, and some plants just don't smell that good at all. We have provided a general list, a little investigation into specific species is always recommended.

Fragrant flowers and plants for Spring

• Roses
  All roses are not fragrant and some carry a lot more perfume than others.
  We list our best fragrant roses
• Philadelphus or 'Mock-orange'
• Wisteria
• Magnolias
  Magnolias have a delicate fragrance, Magnolia denudata and Magnolia 'Heaven scent' are two. See our Magnolia Nurseries
• Daphne. Remember that not all Daphne are fragrant. Visit our Daphne Nurseries
• Lily of the Valley
• Freesias
• Choisya
  Mexican Orange Blossom
• Peonies
• Viburnum
• Pelargoniums

Fragrant flowers and plants for Summer.

• Roses
  Roses carry their fragrance for many months if properly pruned and deadheaded.
• Lilac
• Gardenias
• Clethra
• Buddleia
• Clematis and Jasmine.
  Jasmine is most fragrant on warm evenings.
• Lavender
• Lonicera
  Honeysuckle, the sweet smell of Honeysuckle in the summer is unforgetable.
• Lilliums
• Violets
• Tuberose
  Extremely fragrant with white flower spikes in late- summer.

Fragrant flowers and plants for Autumn.

• Hamamelis virginiana (Witch-Hazel)
• Fragrant flowers and plants for Winter.
• Hamamelis virginiana (Witch-Hazel)
• Mahonia
• Luculia (Luculia gratissima)
  Luculia have pink flowers and a strong perfume. They can be a bit tricky to grow, but are well worth the effort.

Scented Foliage Plants

Plants with scented foliage carry some scent throughout the year however many are more fragrant during spring and summer, while some need to rubbed or brushed against to release the scent.

• Thyme
• Verbena
• Pelargoniums
• Basil
• Lemon Balm
• Lemon Grass
• Rosemary
• Mints

John Allman

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