When flowers bloom, they create a stunning display of colors, textures, and shapes that captivates the senses. However, garden design involves more than just visual appeal. You can elevate your garden by adding delightful fragrances to your flower beds, creating an ambiance that transports you into a world of its own.

Opting for flowers based on their fragrance, as well as their appearance, can elevate your gardening game. Within this article, we will explore some of the most delightful fragrant flowers to cultivate. These plants can be grown individually to produce a delicate scent that will enchant visitors to your garden. Alternatively, you could plant a mix of these specimens throughout your outdoor space to create a dedicated fragrance garden, providing a sanctuary to enjoy after a strenuous day. The list includes 20 stunning flowers such as the Lilac, Rose, Jasmine, Gardenia, Hyacinth, Angel’s Trumpet, Tuberose, Milkweed, Flowering Tobacco, Honeysuckle, Butterfly bush, Heliotrope, Tall Phlox, Freesia, Joe Pye Weed, Wisteria, Daphne, Peonies, Mock Orange and Sweet Pea. Finally, we have provided some Frequently Asked Questions and a Summary to bring it all together.

The natural scent of certain flowers can waft through your yard, creating a delightful atmosphere for summer evenings. To create a fragrant garden, we have compiled a list of the best plants to grow. Some of these plants are small and perfect for container gardens, while others require more space. We suggest planting a variety of fragrant plants to create a heavenly garden that will enhance your outdoor space. Our top pick is the lilac (Syringa vulgaris), but there are many other options to choose from.

The sweet and enchanting scent of lilacs marks the beginning of spring and the arrival of summer. Their name, Lilac, is a shrub that requires full sun and moderate watering, blossoming from April through June in zones 3 to 8. These stunning shrubs are adored by many for their unique and recognizable floral fragrance, making them a popular choice for home products and fragrances. Depending on your garden space, lilacs can grow up to 15 feet tall, although dwarf variations are available. Lilacs have heart-shaped leaves and distinctive long, columnar flowers made up of many small four-petal blooms, typically found in shades of purple, pink, and white.

Taking a moment to appreciate life’s simple pleasures is essential, and that’s why the phrase “stop and smell the roses” holds so much truth. Speaking of roses, did you know that they are loved worldwide for their sweet fragrance? If you’re thinking of creating a garden that’s full of delightful scents, then make sure to include at least one rose bush. However, keep in mind that some rose cultivars have been selectively bred to prioritize flower appearance over aroma, resulting in unscented flowers. To experience the most fragrant roses, consider planting English or Old World rose varieties like ‘Mr. Lincoln,’ ‘Gertrude Jekyll,’ and ‘Boscobel.’ Roses come in various colors and bloom sizes, making them difficult to resist. Many gardeners opt to create backyard rose gardens filled with different varieties. If you plan on growing roses, try companion planting them with scented herbs such as thyme, geraniums, and rue to repel insect pests naturally. Another plant to consider for your garden is Jasmine (Jasminum officinale).

The captivating fragrance of jasmine has always been a popular topic in books for a reason. This aromatic plant requires full sun to part shade and moderate watering. Jasmine blooms from spring to fall in zones 7 to 10. Unlike other flowers, jasmine emits a strong, sweet scent that can transform any garden into a magical oasis. It is also perfect for walkways and trellises because some varieties are climbing. However, since jasmine thrives in hot weather, it may not be suitable for colder climates. Additionally, some cultivars have no fragrance at all, so it’s essential to research the type before purchasing. For the most fragrant scent gardens, it’s recommended to choose ‘Common White’ jasmine, ‘Arabian’ jasmine, or ‘Angel Wing’ jasmine. Another option for a beautifully scented garden is the Gardenia (Gardeniajasminoides).

The captivating scent of gardenia is often used in beauty products and perfumes. When it comes to growing these plants, they require full sun but prefer some shade during hot afternoons. Moderate watering is essential, and gardenias bloom from late spring to early summer in zones 8 to 11. While popular among southern gardeners, these plants can be grown in containers or kept as houseplants for those living in colder climates. Gardenia flowers resemble roses with their soft white petals and glossy leaves that complement the blooms perfectly. Cuttings or nursery starts are recommended for a quicker bloom time, producing an abundance of sweetly scented flowers during late spring to summer. In addition to gardenias, hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) are another fragrant plant to consider adding to your garden.

There are few flowers that possess the powerful and lovely scent of hyacinths. These plants thrive in full sun to part shade, require low watering, and bloom from early to mid-spring. Hyacinths grow best in well-draining soil and are usually planted during autumn. They overwinter well and produce oversized flowers in a range of colors, including purples, pinks, yellows, reds, and whites. These popular bulbs are perfect for planting in groups or alongside other spring blooms such as daffodils. Hyacinths are small and space-friendly, making them ideal for container gardening. However, they are toxic to pets, so caution should be taken when growing them indoors. Another beautiful plant worth mentioning is the Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia spp.).

At night, the scent of trumpet flowers is at its strongest. These flowers are also known as Angel’s trumpets and require full sun to thrive. They need to be watered frequently, making their watering requirements high. Angel’s trumpets bloom from late spring to fall and grow well in Zones 9 to 12. These ornamental plants belong to the Solanaceae family, which includes other popular crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. The trumpet-shaped flowers can grow up to 25 feet tall and come in various colors, ranging from pale pink to yellow. However, what makes them stand out is their impressive size – the blooms can measure up to 20 inches long! While these flowers may look delicate, they’re toxic when ingested. Another plant that produces a pleasant fragrance and suits nighttime pollinators like moths and hawkmoths is the Tuberose (Agave amica).

The tuberose, a beautiful flowering plant, belongs to the asparagus family. It thrives in full sun and requires moderate watering. The tuberose blooms in mid- to late summer and can grow in zones 7 to 10. Originally from Central America and Mexico, the white, waxy flowers of the tuberose emit a strong, sweet fragrance that is highly sought after for perfumes and oils. The tubular shape of the flower attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators. Mature plants reach a height of about 3 feet and benefit from regular fertilization and consistently moist soil. You can bring the lovely scent of tuberose into your home by adding some blooms to your bouquet. Another great plant for your garden is milkweed, which is part of the Asclepias genus.

Butterflies and other pollinators are drawn to the distinct scent of Milkweed, making it a popular choice for any pollinator garden. With its preference for full sun and low watering requirements, Milkweed blooms from June through August in zones 4 to 9. Not only does it serve as a valuable resource for pollinators, but its beautiful purple-toned flowers also make it a perfect ornamental addition. This easy-to-grow plant can be started from seeds or nursery starts, and is even suitable for container planting due to its compact size and drought-resistant nature. Another noteworthy feature of pollinator-friendly plants is the Flowering Tobacco (Nicotiana alata), which deserves a spot in any garden due to its alluring fragrance.

One of the popular plants found in moon gardens is the flowering tobacco due to its beautiful aroma. It requires full sun to partial shade, moderate watering, and blooms from early summer to fall in zones 9 to 10. Although it is related to common tobacco, it is not meant for smoking but is highly fragrant with flowers in white, pink, yellow, red, and lime green. The flowering tobacco is perfect for container or inground gardens and adds a “wow factor” to a moon garden as its scent intensifies at night. It also attracts pollinators, especially hummingbirds, and is easy to grow from seeds that can be planted indoors in early spring and transplanted outside after the frost danger has passed. In warmer regions, it can be grown perennially, while it is treated as an annual in colder areas.

Butterflies flock to the irresistible blossoms of the butterfly bush
Plant name:
Butterfly bush (Buddleia spp.)
Lighting requirements:
Full sun
Watering requirements:
Moderate
Bloom time:
Summer through fall
Growing zone:
Zones 5 to 9
The butterfly bush is a favorite among pollinators, especially butterflies. Its long, cone-shaped flowers come in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue and are highly attractive to many species of butterflies, including monarchs. In addition to its beauty, the butterfly bush is also easy to care for and can grow up to 10 feet tall in the right conditions.

However, like honeysuckle, the butterfly bush can also become invasive in certain areas. To prevent this from happening, it’s recommended that you choose a sterile variety of the plant, which will not produce seeds. You can also prune the plant regularly to keep it from spreading too far. With a little bit of care, the butterfly bush can provide a beautiful and beneficial addition to your garden.

The Butterfly bush is a plant that can provide a longer period of enjoyment with its lovely aroma. It requires full sun to partial shade and moderate to low watering. This plant blooms from mid-summer to early fall and can be grown in zones 5 to 9. Butterfly bushes are often seen in pollinator gardens, but their sweet scent is also loved by humans. The plant can grow up to 15 feet high and produces beautiful flowers in various colors like purple, blue, pink, yellow, and white. Pruning dead or broken branches can help encourage more leafy growth and make the plant look more attractive.

Have you ever smelled a heliotrope bloom? Some people claim to detect hints of vanilla and cherry in the fragrance. Heliotropes are becoming increasingly popular as ornamental plants due to their unique scent and beautiful colors, which include both purple and white. These plants require full sun and high watering. They bloom from summer to fall and grow best in zones 10 to 11. Heliotropes are turnsoles, meaning they follow the sun’s movement throughout the day, so don’t be alarmed if your plant looks different during different times of the day. This particular type of plant grows up to 18 inches tall, making it perfect for planting in the front of ornamental beds. However, if you want to enjoy the sweet fragrance of these flowers both indoors and outdoors, consider potting them up in window boxes. Give a try and decide whether the scent is more like vanilla or cherry!

Tall phlox is a delightful flower that blooms in the late summer and fall, emitting a lovely fragrance. This plant requires full sun to part shade and moderate watering. Its bloom time is from mid-to-late summer, and it grows best in zones 4 to 8. If you’re searching for a plant with a rich, floral aroma, then tall phlox is an excellent choice. The candy-colored clusters of flowers atop the long stems provide a stunning display that attracts numerous pollinators, especially butterflies, making it ideal for pollinator gardens. However, overcrowding can cause mildew issues, so proper spacing is critical. Additionally, spraying your plants regularly with baking soda or milk spray throughout the growing season can help prevent this problem. Another great option for fragrant flowers is the Freesia (Freesia spp.).

The freesia flower is known for its dazzling colors and fruity fragrance. These plants require full sun to part shade and high levels of watering, blooming from June to September in zones 9 to 10. Their tunnel-like flowers come in a wide variety of colors and emit a sweet aroma often compared to ripe strawberries, making them a favorite among florists. Native to South Africa, freesia thrives in consistently moist soil, but may need extra care in hot and dry climates. Regular fertilization before bloom development is also recommended. To prevent overcrowding, it’s best to divide freesia plants every 3 to 5 years as they mature.

It’s easy to underestimate the beauty of Joe Pye weed due to its rather unremarkable name. However, this plant is a top choice for pollinators and boasts stunning clusters of purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. These long-lasting flowers are sure to add a pop of color to your garden while attracting plenty of butterflies. Joe Pye weed can grow up to 8 feet tall and looks particularly striking when planted in groups or alongside complementary blooms like black-eyed Susan. This plant thrives in consistently moist environments and can adapt to various soil types.

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Wisteria is known for its strong fragrance that is enhanced by the abundance of blooms on its cascading clusters of purple flowers. It can be a beautiful addition to any garden design, not just cottage gardens. Wisteria requires full sun to part shade lighting and low water requirements. It typically blooms in early May and grows well in zones 5 to 9.
As a climbing plant, wisteria can grow very large, so adding supports or trellising is necessary to maintain its appearance. The plant is relatively low maintenance and can grow in a variety of soils; however, it is recommended to amend nutrient-poor soil with compost before planting. Once established, wisteria is drought-resistant and requires little fertilizer. Over-fertilizing may even inhibit flower formation.

Moving on to Daphne (Daphne odora), this plant is also known for its lovely fragrance.

Daphne is a unique and less commonly grown shrub that can add a lovely touch to your garden. It requires partial shade and moderate to low watering. The plant blooms in early spring with pale pink and white flowers that give off a beautifully rich scent. However, beware that its red berries are not edible for humans and can be toxic if ingested. On the bright side, daphne berries are a favorite among wild birds like thrushes, making it an excellent addition to a pollinator garden. Though native to Japan and Korea, daphne can thrive in various growing locations. When mature, daphne shrubs reach around 3 feet tall, making them perfect for winter garden beds. With 75 to 90 species of daphne available, it’s worth doing some research to find the perfect one for your garden.

Peonies are a stunning flower option that not only looks beautiful but also fills the air with a lovely sweet fragrance reminiscent of baby powder. These flowers have globular shapes and ruffled petals, making them a popular choice for both gardens and cut flower arrangements. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that not all peonies are scented, and the ones with double blooms in pink and white tend to have the strongest aroma.

They bloom from late spring to early summer, making them an excellent addition to other springtime favorites such as lilacs. However, peonies can become top-heavy during flowering, so adding bamboo supports or tomato cages can help keep them upright. Spacing is also crucial when planting peonies, as they can develop mildew issues.

In conclusion, peonies are a striking and dramatic flower that requires full sun and moderate watering. They grow best in zones 3 to 8 and make an excellent addition to any garden or floral arrangement.

The mock orange, a fragrant shrub with citrusy sweet blooms, is a popular addition to gardens for its stunning fragrance. It needs full sun to part shade lighting and moderate watering to thrive. Its blooming period ranges from May to June, and it grows best in Zones 4 to 8. The mock orange can grow up to 12 feet high and is an excellent complement to shorter flowering plants like roses and phlox. With its dense growth habit, this shrub provides additional privacy in outdoor spaces. Pruning your mock orange after its flowers have faded will help it grow more vigorously and maintain its appearance.

The sweet pea is a small flower that has a surprisingly powerful scent. To grow this plant, it requires full sun but prefers some shade in the afternoon if you live in a hot climate. Moderate watering is necessary, and it blooms in the spring. If you sow it again in late summer, it will produce autumn flowers. The sweet pea thrives in growing zones 3 to 8. Its delicate blooms come in various colors, making it a must-have for any spring garden. Gardeners commonly train them to grow along trellises or deck railings to achieve a vertical appearance. Sweet peas are excellent for bouquet-making and pressed flowers, aside from their floral aroma. They are low maintenance and easy to grow from seeds. However, they don’t do well under extreme heat and may wilt when summer temperatures rise.

When it comes to fragrant plants, there are many options to choose from. Some of the most popular picks include lilac, rose, gardenia, jasmine, and honeysuckle. While fragrant flowers like peonies and flowering tobacco smell amazing when in bloom, plants with fragrant foliage like sage and rosemary can keep your garden smelling sweet all year round. For those looking for cut flowers with strong scents, heirloom rose varieties like Old World and English roses are great choices. Lastly, scented groundcovers like creeping thyme and Corsican mint can add a magical touch to your fragrance garden design.

Take a moment to close your eyes and breathe in the sweet aroma of your garden. What could be more relaxing? There are countless garden designs to choose from when it comes to sprucing up your outdoor space. While some gardeners focus on cultivating cut flowers, others prefer to create a moon garden for evening enjoyment. However, if you’re seeking a garden type that offers the best of both worlds, consider planting a scent garden.
Scent gardens offer a delightful combination of beautiful blooms for cutting and heavenly fragrances to savor in your garden throughout the day and night. What’s more, with the right choice of plants, scent gardens can be easy to maintain, yet still look stunning.

We hope you found this article helpful and inspiring. For further ideas to enhance your garden, take a look at our guide to growing a pollinator garden, which features even more of our favorite scented flowers.