The Value of Aromatic Plants
Scientists recognize the power of the olfactory system. Humans can identify hundreds of odors. Many can trigger strong reactions and emotions. Using fragrant plants in the landscape is certainly not a new concept.
The botanical reason for plant fragrance is simple: to attract pollinators to the blooms. White or pastel blossoms seem to have stronger scents. This trait is probably to help them compete with their more brightly colored cousins.
Fragrance isn't limited to blooms. The essential oils that provide the perfume can be found in other plant parts such as foliage, seeds and bark. Herbs are especially good examples of this.
We've collected some examples of fragrant flowers and aromatic plants below along with some tips for planting. Keep in mind that different varieties of these plants may have different levels of fragrance, planting and care requirements.
Your local Lowe's stocks plants selected to thrive in your area. Lowe's plant tags offer tips on planting and show our Grow Together codes to help you identify plants and flowers that can grow side by side to create a beautiful display. How to Read a Plant Tag shows you what you can learn about your plants.
Rosemary
Most if not all herbs are fragrant, and rosemary is a popular favorite. It can be as attractive in the landscape or in containers as it's flavorful in recipes. Harvest the tender rosemary stems often, and use fresh for the best flavor.
- Rosemary grows well in hardiness zones 7 to 10.
- Plant in early spring, after the last frost.
- Allow 24 to 36 inches of spacing in landscape plantings.
- Make sure plants receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Expect blooms in the spring and summer.
- Mature plants can reach heights of 3 to 5 feet and are drought tolerant.
Other fragrant herbs include sage, basil, bay, catmint, chamomile, lavender, mint, oregano and creeping thyme.
Creeping thyme is often used as a ground cover in stepping-stone walkways simply because it smells good when you step on it.
Peony
Peonies are fragrant perennials that can be long-lived additions to your landscape. Different varieties can bloom white or in colors such as yellow, pink, red or deep purple.
- Peonies are suited for hardiness zone 3 to 8.
- Plant in the fall.
- Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart.
- Make sure the plants get three to six hours of sunlight a day.
- Peonies bloom in the later part of spring and early summer.
- Mature peonies can grow up to 36 inches tall.
Other fragrant perennials include astilbe, dianthus, lily of the valley, hosta, phlox, Russian sage, sedum and sweet Woodruff.
Lilac
Lilacs are shrubs that offer fragrance and showers of small blooms for several weeks. Lilacs work well planted where the eye-level lavender blooms and sweet aroma are easy to appreciate.
- Lilacs are suited to hardiness zones 2 to 7.
- Plant in the fall or spring.
- Plant with generous spacing, up to 10 feet or more, depending on the variety.
- Established lilacs blossom early to midspring.
- Prune immediately after blooming to encourage blooms next season.
- Mature lilacs can reach up to 10 feet in height.
Other fragrant shrubs to consider include butterfly bush, gardenia, magnolia, mock orange, Osmanthus, rose, winter daphne and viburnum. Remember that some shrubs, such as lilac, magnolia and viburnum, can reach small tree size.
Meyer Lemon Tree
Trees are generally not known for being aromatic, but citrus trees like the Meyer lemon tree are exceptions. Smaller varieties of this fragrant tree do well in pots and offer sweet-smelling white flowers before producing lemons.
- Meyer lemon trees thrive in hardiness zones 9 to 11.
- Plant in late winter or early spring.
- When planted in the ground, they need at least 6 feet of spacing.
- Make sure the trees get full sun — at least six hours of direct sun each day.
- Meyer lemon trees can grow to a mature height of 6 to 10 feet depending on the variety.
- They can produce year-round blooms and fruit.
Other fragrant trees include varieties of crab apple, flowering cherry and crape myrtle.
Honeysuckle
Don't forget vines in your garden. Honeysuckle is a popular example of a fragrant vine, with clusters of honey-scented flowers in yellows, oranges, pinks or reds. Honeysuckle grows fast so train it on a trellis or arbor, or along a fence or wall to get the most out of the small, aromatic blossoms. You can also prune it to look like a shrub. Honeysuckle is a favorite of hummingbirds.
- Honeysuckle grows in zones 4 to 9 depending on the variety.
- Plant in the spring.
- Space plantings at least 4 feet apart.
- Make sure the plants get partial to full sun for three to six hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Honeysuckle blooms throughout the summer.
- The vines can grow to a height of up to 20 feet.
Other aromatic vining plants to consider include bower vine, clematis, climbing rose, jasmine, moonflower, sweet pea or wisteria.
Some vines can be quite aggressive and invasive. Make sure you choose the correct species.
Hyacinth
Hyacinth adds fragrance and spikes of white, yellow, pink, red, purple or blue to your landscape. Use the flower in beds among other flowers such as daffodils and tulips. While this perennial plant adds spring color to the landscape, you can force hyacinth bulbs indoors for winter color in your home.
- Hyacinth works in hardiness zones 3 to 9.
- Plant in the fall for blooms in early to midspring.
- Space plants about 3 inches apart.
- Make sure they have full partial to full sun exposure.
- Expect mature heights up to 8 inches.
Other great fragrant bulb varieties include daylily, iris and narcissus.
Alyssum
In addition to brightening a landscape with small, colorful blooms, alyssum is also an aromatic addition to the landscape. It's a compact annual that's perfect in planting beds and floral borders. It's also great planted along sidewalks and walkways to offer plentiful color and a pleasant honey fragrance as you walk by.
- Alyssum works in zones 7 to 11.
- Plant in early spring.
- Plant in groups of six or nine for dramatic displays.
- Allow 6 to 10 inches of spacing.
- Plants need partial or full sun to provide three to six hours of sunlight each day.
- Alyssum blooms throughout the spring and into summer.
- Expect mature plants to grow to 10 inches in height.
Other aromatic annual options include nasturtium, pansy, petunia, poppy, primrose, stock and viola.
Juniper
Juniper is a fragrant evergreen that can function as a foundation, accent or feature shrub, depending on the variety. Juniper can typically handle salt air and roadside pollution, and once established, can tolerate drought well. Though juniper doesn't produce flowers, year-round dense and intricate foliage, ranging from green to a silvery blue, adds texture and variety to your landscape in addition to a spicy aroma.
- Juniper thrives in zones 4 to 9.
- Plant in the spring and summer.
- Juniper plants develop best in full sun.
- Minimum spacing ranges from 2 to 5 feet, depending on the variety.
- Low-growing juniper can grow to 2 feet high; larger varieties can grow up to 5 feet.
Also consider pine, another notably fragrant evergreen.
Learn about cold hardiness zones, and get information on thousands of plants in the Lowe's Plant Guide.
Planting Sites for Fragrant Plants
Of course you want to place fragrant plants where they can be appreciated. Remember that prevailing wind directs the aroma, so identify which way the breeze typically blows. Remember also that scent intensity differs as the day progresses and humidity levels and air temperatures change. Some planting ideas include:
- Walkways and entryways — passers-by enjoy the aroma from blooms. Scented leaves release their aroma when you brush them as you walk by.
- Porches, patios or decks — anywhere you have seating is a great place to enjoy fragrant plants, especially evening blooming plants like jasmine and moonflower. A solitary bench out in the garden is an excellent place to escape.
- Movable containers — create your own portable plant aromatherapy by using containers.
- Near open windows — any window that allows a breeze to enter the home can only be enhanced by adding a fragrant plant outdoors.
- Trellises — bring the blooms up to nose level. Arbors (especially over garden gates) and pergolas will also bring the aroma to you.
Finding Fragrant Plants
Many of today's hybrids are bred for exceptional appearance. In the process, the traits that provide fragrance have diminished or disappeared. Some cultivars of roses are perhaps the best examples. Some varieties of a plant, such as lilies, iris and hostas, may not be as fragrant as others.
There are still plenty of fragrant plants to choose from. Heirloom or "old-fashioned" varieties tend to be more fragrant. Many plant tags will indicate whether aroma is one of the plant's traits.
There's one very important consideration when selecting fragrant plants for the landscape: the individual gardener's personal definition of fragrant. It's simply a matter of opinion. Even among flowers that most agree have a pleasant fragrant, many people can be overwhelmed by the aroma. Some heavily scented plants such as gardenia, jasmine or lilac, which you may consider some of the best-smelling flowers, may be overpowering to some olfactory systems. Too much of a good thing can also be a mistake, so avoid overplanting.
It's also a good idea to look for plants that are native to your region. Native plants naturally perform better with local soil and climates, and are less susceptible to local pests and diseases. They tend to be lower maintenance, requiring less fertilizer, less supplemental water and fewer chemical pesticides. As an added benefit, native plants also support local wildlife. You can also look for native plants that attract pollinators.