Gardening
Flowers
By
Marie Iannotti
Marie Iannotti
Marie Iannotti is a life-long gardener and a veteran Master Gardener with nearly three decades of experience. She's also an author of three gardening books, a plant photographer, public speaker, and a former Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator. Marie's garden writing has been featured in newspapers and magazines nationwide and she has been interviewed for Martha Stewart Radio, National Public Radio, and numerous articles.
Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process
Updated on 09/17/22
Trending Videos
Scented flowers add a layer of sensory pleasure to the garden, bringing fragrance that evokes memories and herald the coming spring or summer season. When planting flowers for their scent, keep in mind that some flowers are lightly scented and must be appreciated up close, while others engulf the entire yard in their perfume—think oflilacsin spring or a patch of lily of the valley.
If you're ready to add some fragrance to your garden, here are many great options to get you started. Keep in mind that bloom times may vary based on the local climate as well as micro-climates on your property.
Tip
Heirloom flowers make marvelous additions to a scented garden, many of which are best started from seed. These flowers have not been genetically altered, a process that often sacrifices scent, so they retain their naturally fabulous fragrances.
Tips for Planting Fragrant Flowers
If you'd like to include some fragrance in your garden, follow some basic tips for getting the most from your scented flowers:
- Plant them where you will be able to enjoy their fragrance most frequently—for example, alongside a path, patio, open window, or in a container that is easy to move around.
- Plant in large clumps for the strongest impact. The scent of flowers will dissipate if they are planted in a wide-open, windy area.
- Spread fragrant plants throughout the yard so that different scents don't compete with one another.
- Some plants are most fragrant in the evening. Plant them near your dining or entertaining areas.
- Look for fragrant groundcovers and lawn alternatives that withstand foot traffic. Plants with fragrant leaves are even more potent when the leaves are crushed underfoot.
- The fragrance of flowers will change subtly throughout the day and with variations in the weather and growing conditions. You'll need to experiment with fragrant plants to see which grow well for you and which combinations appeal to you. Not everyone appreciates the same scents.
- Many insects are also attracted to scented plants. The butterflies will be welcome, but keep scented flowers away fromchildren's play areas and away from people who are extremely sensitive to bee stings.
41 Fragrant Flowers
01 of 41
Angel's Trumpet
Brugmansia is a large, tree-like plant with8- to 9-inch blooms that dangle upside down and give off a citrus-floral scent that is most pronounced in the evening. Bring indoors to overwinter in cooler climates.
- Name: Angel's trumpet (Brugmansia spp.)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11 (USDA)
- Flower Colors: White, yellow, orange, pink
- Mature Size: 6–35 ft. tall, 3–10 ft. wide
- Bloom Season: Summer
02 of 41
Anise Hyssop
Both the leaves and the small, spiky purple-blue flowers of hyssop have a strong scent of anise. It is a member of the mint family and both the leaves and flowers are edible.
- Name: Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)
- Flower Color: Pink, white, blue, purple
- Mature Size: 2-4 ft. tall, 1-3 ft. wide
- Bloom Season: Summer
03 of 41
Butterfly Ginger
You may see this plant listed as white ginger lily. Its clear white flowers need the longest days of summer to open and release their honeysuckle-like fragrance.
- Name: Butterfly ginger (Hedychium coronarium)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White
- Mature Size: 4-6 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
- Bloom Season: Summer, fall
04 of 41
Carnation
The spicy scent of carnations is one of the most familiar flower fragrances. Make sure you purchase a variety that specifically says it is fragrant,since many hybrids have been bred for larger flowers and longer blooms but have no scent. Note:Not all carnations areperennials.
- Name: Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White, pink, red
- Mature Size: 6-24 in. tall, 10-14 in. wide
- Bloom Season: Spring
Continue to 5 of 41 below
05 of 41
Chamomile
Chamomile has a very pleasant herbal, grassy scent that is similar to the fragrance that wafts up from hot chamomile tea. It is often used in aromatherapy because it has a calming effect when inhaled.
- Name: Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White
- Mature Size: 8–24 in. tall, 8–12 in. wide
- Bloom Season: Summer
06 of 41
Corsican Mint
There's a definite minty scent from both the leaves and flowers of Corsican mint. It is used as a groundcover, emitting its fragrance as it is crushed underfoot. It is also the flavoring used in crème de menthe liqueur.
- Name: Corsican mint (Mentha requienii)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9 (USDA)
- Flower Color: Purple
- Mature Size: 4 in. tall, 6-12 in. wide
- Bloom Season: Summer
07 of 41
Daphne
Daphne is a beautiful small shrub with glossy green leaves and flowers that emit a true perfume-quality scent that is a mix of sweet florals and earthy undertones.
- Name: Daphne (Daphne cneorum)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9 (USDA)
- Flower Color: Pink
- Mature Size: 1–5 ft. tall, 2–6 ft. wide
- Bloom Season: Spring
08 of 41
Flowering Quince
Some people find the scent of flowering quince fruity and sweet, while others find it offensive. Buy yours in bloom, to ensure you like it. Bees and hummingbirds love the flowers.
- Name: Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White, orange, red, pink
- Mature Size: 3-10 ft. tall, 3-10 ft. wide
- Bloom Season: Spring
09 of 41
Flowering Tobacco
Nicotiana is sometimes referred to as jasmine tobacco, because of its intense, sweet scent. Go for the tall Nicotiana sylvestris for a fragrance that will permeate the evening air. Many of the shorter, modern Nicotiana alata have only a faint scent. Nicotiana is usually grown as anannual.
- Name: Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana alata)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11 (USDA)
- Flower Color: Yellow, green, white, pink, red
- Mature Size: 3-5 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
- Bloom Season: Summer
10 of 41
Four O'Clocks
Mirabilis is Latin for wonderful. These annual flowers open in the late afternoon, in response to cooling temperatures. They may stay open all day on overcast days, but their sweet, lemony fragrance is most intense in the evening.They will self-sow.
- Name: Four o'clocks (Mirabilis jalapa, M. longiflora)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11 (USDA)
- Flower Color: Pink, red, yellow, white
- Mature Size: 2–3 ft. tall and wide
- Bloom Season: Summer
11 of 41
Fragrant Columbine
Aquilegia fragrans is slightly different from the more common garden columbines, although they are almost as easy to grow. They have creamy white flowers that give off a lovely honeysuckle-like scent.
- Name: Fragrant columbine (Aquilegia fragrans)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White
- Mature Size: 12-18 in. tall, 8-12 in. wide
- Bloom Season: Spring
12 of 41
Fragrant Plantain Lily
Unlike so many hosta varieties that are grown simply for their foliage, Hosta plantaginea (and many of its hybrids) has lovely white flowers with a charming floral scent.
- Name: Hosta (Hosta plantaginea)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White, purple, pink
- Mature Size: 6–48 in. tall, 10–60 in. wide
- Bloom Season: Summer
Continue to 13 of 41 below
13 of 41
Freesia
Freesia is a popular wedding flower, but it is tropical, so you don't often see it in gardens. However, it can also be grown as a houseplant. The tubular flowers have a fresh, fruity, floral scent.
- Name: Freesia (Freesia spp.)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-10 (USDA)
- Flower Color: Pink, red, white, yellow, orange, blue, purple
- Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall, 6-12 in. wide
- Bloom Season: Spring, summer
14 of 41
Garden Phlox
The floral scent of garden phlox is almost heady on a warm summer day. The heat intensifies the fragrance. Watch out for modern hybrids that were bred for show, with no scent.
- Name: Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)
- Flower Color: Pink, purple, white
- Mature Size: 2-4 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
- Bloom Season: Summer
15 of 41
Gardenia
Gardenias are one of the most fragrant flowers; some people find them too strong to be near. These plants are very tender and should be moved indoors for the winter in cold climates.
- Name: Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White
- Mature Size: 5-6 ft. tall, 5-6 ft. wide
- Bloom Season: Spring, summer, fall
16 of 41
Grape Hyacinth
Muscari gets its common name from its enticing grape fragrance. If you have a large clump, its smell will waft throughout the yard. These tiny flowers also make nice cut flowers, bringing their bright scent indoors for you to enjoy.
- Name: Grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)
- Flower Color: Blue, white, purple, pink, yellow
- Mature Size: 6–9 in. tall, 3–6 in. wide
- Bloom Season: Spring
Continue to 17 of 41 below
17 of 41
Heliotrope
Heliotrope has a delightful cherry vanilla scent that gives it its colloquial name of "the cherry pie flower." You'll need a good size clump of plants to really get the full effect, but it's worth it. Heliotrope is often grown as an annual in colder climates.
- Name: Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White, purple
- Mature Size: 1-4 ft. tall, 6-8 in. wide
- Bloom Season: Summer
18 of 41
Jasmine
One jasmine plant easily perfumes your entire yard. The beautiful evergreen foliage and star-shaped flowers are simply a bonus of its spicy, sweet scent.
- Name: Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White
- Mature Size: 20-30 ft. tall, 7-10 ft, wide
- Bloom Season: Spring, summer, fall
19 of 41
Jonquils
Many daffodils have a subtle scent, but for a bigger bang, try a patch of jonquils. They have a strong, astringent scent that sneaks up on you, although, like paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus), not everyone finds it pleasant.
- Name: Jonquils (Narcissus jonquilla)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Mature Size: 8 - 12 in. tall, 5 in. wide
- Bloom Season: Spring
20 of 41
Lavender
Lavender has one of the most beloved scents of any flower. Its musky floral fragrance even permeates your palate when you use lavender in cooking.
- Name: Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9 (USDA)
- Flower Color: Purple
- Mature Size: 2–3 ft. tall, 2–4 ft. wide
- Bloom Season: Summer
Continue to 21 of 41 below
21 of 41
Lilac
The sweet, floral fragrance of lilacs announces spring. Get a hint of it as the buds start to swell. Once the flowers open, lilacs are strong enough to perfume the neighborhood.
- Name: Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7 (USDA
- Flower Color: Purple, white
- Mature Size: 8–15 ft. tall, 6–12 ft. wide
- Bloom Season: Spring
22 of 41
Lilies
Lilies have a strong spicy-sweet scent. A bouquet of lilies will perfume the house. Both the cut flowers and the blooms on the plant are long-lasting, and the flowers come in many colors.
- Name: Lily (Lilium spp.)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-11 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White, yellow, orange, pink, purple, red
- Mature Size: 2-6 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
- Bloom Season: Summer
23 of 41
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley flowers are popular additions to perfume, with their rich, sweet fragrance. This is a quick-spreading plant, so plant it where you won't mind it traveling, then enjoy the scent throughout your yard.
- Name: Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White
- Mature Size: 6–12 in. tall, 9–12 in. wide
- Bloom Season: Spring
24 of 41
Magnolia
Magnolias have a sweet, strong, honeysuckle scent that quickly evokes memories of the first time you were captivated by it. This is a tender tree, very much associated with the South. In northern climates, look for cultivars especially bred for the local environment.
- Name: Magnolia (Magnolia spp.)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White, pink, purple, yellow
- Mature Size: 20-30 ft. tall, 15-20 ft wide
- Bloom Season: Spring
Continue to 25 of 41 below
25 of 41
Mock Orange
If you are unfamiliar with mock orange, you might think you are in a citrus grove when it blooms. The scent of the small white flowers truly mimics the scent of oranges.
- Name: Mock orange (Philadelphus spp.)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White
- Mature Size: 10–12 ft. tall and wide
- Bloom Season: Spring
26 of 41
Moonflower
This night bloomer has a surprising scent that is a combination of cinnamon and rose. They take a while to begin flowering, so keep a watch toward the evening at the end of summer. In cooler climates, moonflower is often grown as an annual.
- Name: Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-12 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White
- Mature Size: 10–15 ft. tall, 3–6 ft. wide
- Bloom Season: Summer, fall
27 of 41
Naked Lady
The rather rude common name of Naked Lady was given because the flowers bloom before the leaves appear. The beautiful tubular flowers give off an extremely sweet scent that is often likened to bubble gum.
- Name: Naked lady (Amaryllis belladonna)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-10 (USDA)
- Flower Color: Pink, red
- Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall and wide
- Bloom Season: Summer, fall
28 of 41
Night-Blooming Jasmine
The scent of night-blooming jasmine wafts in and out of the air, usually catching you when the air is still. Unlike Jasminum officinale, which has a very sweet scent, night-blooming jasmine is often described as more sultry.
- Name: Night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11 (USDA)
- Flower Color: Green, white, yellow
- Mature Size: 6-15 ft. long
- Bloom Season: Spring, summer
Continue to 29 of 41 below
29 of 41
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is one of the strongest-smelling members of the mint family. It is an attractive, creeping plant that makes a great ground cover in areas where you will be walking and releasing its fragrance. The flower color ranges from light blue or lavender to reddish-purple.
- Name: Pennyroyal (Mentha pelegium)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6–9 (USDA)
- Flower Color: Purple, blue
- Mature Size: 6–12 in. tall, 3–6 ft. wide
- Bloom Season: Summer
30 of 41
Peony
Peonies would be beautiful enough to grow just for their flowers, but the lush blooms also have a clear, clean scent that is very similar to roses. They are very long-lasting as cut flowers.
- Name: Peony (Paeonia spp.)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White, purple, pink, red, yellow
- Mature Size: 2–3 ft. tall and wide
- Bloom Season: Spring, summer
31 of 41
Pinks
Although not as strongly-scented as carnations(Dianthus caryophyllus), pinks also have a spicy scent, and they are much more widely adaptable.
- Name: Pinks (Dianthus plumarius)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White, purple, red. pink
- Mature Size: 6–36 in. tall, 6–24 in. wide
- Bloom Season: Spring, summer, fall
32 of 41
Rose
Although not all roses are fragrant, they may be the first flower most people think of when it comes to fragrance. Rose scents range from candy-sweet to exotic and spicy. Popular fragrant rose varieties include 'Double Delight', 'Fourth of July', and 'Midas Touch'.
- Name: Rose (Rosa spp.)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-11 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White, yellow, orange, red, pink
- Mature Size: 3-15 ft. tall, 2-10 ft, wide
- Bloom Season: Summer
Continue to 33 of 41 below
33 of 41
Star Jasmine
This evergreen, twining tangle of a vine is not a true jasmine. It smells so much like one that it earned its common name. A well-established plant will be covered with the fragrant blooms.
- Name: Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–10 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White
- Mature Size: 3–6 ft. tall, 3–6 ft. wide
- Bloom Season: Spring, summer
34 of 41
Stock
It's hard to believe that stock is a member of the cabbage family. Also known as gillyflower, stock flowers pack an intense clove-like scent in their small flowers.
- Name: Stock (Matthiola incana)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10 (USDA)
- Flower Color: Pink, yellow, purple, blue, red, white
- Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
- Bloom Season: Spring, summer
35 of 41
Summersweet
The spicy scent of Clethra is why some people refer to it as pepper bush. The white panicles of flowers are beautifully offset by glossy, bright green foliage. The late summer scent comes as a pleasant surprise.
- Name: Summersweet (Clethra spp.)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White, pink
- Mature Size: 3-8 ft. tall, 4-6 ft. wide
- Bloom Season: Summer
36 of 41
Sweet Alyssum
The diminutive plant is so covered with flowers, it looks like a carpet. The fragrance is unique with a honey-like quality with a floral finish. Sweet alyssum is a cool-season annual flower for the beginning and end of the summer.
- Name: Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White, pink, purple
- Mature Size: 3–10 in. tall, 2–4 in. wide
- Bloom Season: Spring, fall
Continue to 37 of 41 below
37 of 41
Sweet Autumn Clematis
Sweet autumn clematis is covered with a cloud of small white flowers in the fall. Besides their beauty, the flowers give off a gentle vanilla scent, which really hits you as you walk below the vine. This plant is invasive in some areas.
- Name: Sweet autumn clematis (Clematis dioscoreifolia)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White
- Mature Size: 15 to 30 ft. long vine
- Bloom Season: Fall
38 of 41
Sweet Pea
Sweet peas are cool-season annuals that offer an abundance of cut flowers. Unfortunately, breeders have been focusing on more blooms and less fragrance. Look for old-fashioned varieties that have the spicy scent that sweet peas became known for.
- Name: Sweet pea (Lathyrus spp.)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8 (USDA)
- Flower Color: Red, pink, blue, white, purple
- Mature Size: 6-8 ft. long vine
- Bloom Season: Spring
39 of 41
Sweet Woodruff
Sweet woodruff has a grassy vanilla scent, which is much nicer than it sounds. It is often compared to the scent of newly mown hay. Be warned: The plant will spread.
- Name: Sweet woodruff (Asperula odorata)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White
- Mature Size: 6-12 in. tall, 9-18 in. wide
- Bloom Season: Spring
40 of 41
Thyme
You may only think of thyme as a seasoning, but it is also a very ornamental plant and a bee magnet. Thyme is in the mint family, but its scent is more herbal and grassy.
- Name: Thyme (Thymus serpyllum, T. herba-barona, T. caespititius)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9 (USDA)
- Flower Color: Pink, white, purple
- Mature Size: 2-6 in. tall, 6-18 in. wide
- Bloom Season: Summer
Continue to 41 of 41 below
41 of 41
Tuberose
These flowers have an unusual sweet scent that has been likened to everything from candy to Dr. Pepper soda. The stalks holding the large, white flowers reaches up to five feet in height. In cooler zones, the bulbs can belifted and stored for winter.
- Name: Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10 (USDA)
- Flower Color: White
- Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall and wide
- Bloom Season: Summer
gg
FAQ
What is the world's most fragrant flower?
There are many flowers with very strong fragrances. Based on the most used flowers in perfume-making, the flowers with the strongest fragrance include rose, jasmine, tuberose,frangipani, violet, and lavender.
Do fragrant flowers attract bugs?
Not necessarily and if they do, the bugs that appear on your flowers are by no means always "bad bugs", i.e. pests that you need to combat. Flowers attract pollinators which play a key role in food production. Some flowers repel noxious insects. For example, mums contain pyrethrin, a neurotoxin that repels harmful insects such as mosquitoes and flies.
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Pyrethrins. National Pesticide Information Center.