The 10 Top Fragrant Plants for Your Garden (2024)

Gardening

Where People Gather, the Scent Should be Sweet

• 01 of 11

  Angel's Trumpet

  

  Botanical name: Brugmansia

  Details: This beautiful shrub or tree does best growing under eaves, against walls, or over fences. Angel's trumpet grows in spurts—sometimes several times a year—forming a thick blanket of beautiful blooms. Its flowers are long and trumpet shaped and that sweet scent picks up during the evening hours and if there's a light breeze.

  Zones: 9-11

  See Also

  10 Ways To Smell Like Flowers, Not FeetThe 5 Most Fragrant Flowers In Perfumery - Experimental Perfume ClubThe Best Smelling Flowers to Get From the FloristFlowers to Use for a Brighten Your Day Bouquet

• 02 of 11

  Jasmine

  

  Botanical name: Jasminum floridum, J. humile (Italian jasmine)J. laurifolium nitidum(Shining and Angelwing Jasmine),J. officinale(Common White and Poet's Jasmine), andJ. sambac(Arabian Jasmine and Pikake).

  Details: Some jasmines are unscented. If you're looking for the fragrant ones, try Jasminum floridum, J. humile (Italian Jasmine), The popular Star Jasmine is not a true jasmine, but wonderfully fragrant. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) comes from China and grows to a twining 20-30-foot vine with support.

  Zones: 7-9

• 03 of 11

  Plumeria

  

  Botanical name: Frangipani, Pua Melia

  Details: Plumeria (Frangipani, Pua Melia) are flowering plants or small trees often associated with Hawaii and other tropical islands. Native to Singapore, plumerias were introduced to Hawaii in the 1860. Sweetly scented varieties are Plumeria rubra 'Kauka Wilder' and 'Smith's Candystripe.' Plumeria is an excellent pool or spa-side plant and grows well in containers.

  Zones:9-11

• 04 of 11

  Honeysuckle

  

  Botanical name: Lonicera japonica

  Details: A vigorous-growing species with long-tubed fragrant white flowers that attract hummingbirds and yellow as they age. A twining climber, honeysuckle requires support and can grow up to 30 feet. It grows well in sun or partial shade. For repeat blooms, prune after flowering.

  Zones: 6-9

  Continue to 5 of 11 below

• 05 of 11

  Dianthus

  

  See Also

  That Laundry-Fresh Scent of Wild Soapwort (Published 2018)

  Botanical Name: Dianthus

  Details: Sometimes referred to as "pinks", these papery thin, variegated flowers are perennially popular flowers in English and European border gardens. Popular Dianthus hybrids include 'Doris', 'Charles Musgrave', 'Loveliness', 'Candy Floss' and 'Fruit Punch'. Deadhead for repeat blooms.

  Zones: 3-9

• 06 of 11

  Gardenia

  

  Botanical name: Gardenia augusta, G. grandiflora, or G. jasmnoides

  Details: When scented plants are discussed, gardenias always come to mind. Longtime favorites in all types of gardens, from cottage to tropical, the shrubs produce dozens of creamy satiny flowers in spring that have an intoxicating fragrance. Favorite cultivars with gardeners include 'Fortuniana', 'Chuck Hayes', and 'Florida'.

  Zones: 8-11

• 07 of 11

  Mandevilla

  

  Botanical name: Mandevilla

  Details: Also knownas Rocktrumpet, thistropical, fast-growing evergreen shrub or vine that produces waxy blooms from spring until frost. Mandevilla likes a sturdy post or support to climb along with enriched soil. Its strong scent is reminiscent of a gardenia. Popular cultivars include 'Alice du Pont', 'Bride's Cascade', and 'Magic Trio'.

  Zones: Through zone 11

• 08 of 11

  Roses

  

  Botanical name: Rosa primula

  Details:Of course these have to be mentioned, even if everyone knows about their legendary scents. If planting rose bushes near a pool or spa, make sure they are several feet away from high-traffic areas. You know—the thorn issue.

  Zones: Varies

  The Top 10 Climbing Roses

  Continue to 9 of 11 below

• 09 of 11

  Jewel Mint of Corsica

  

  Botanical name:Mentha requienii

  Details: Just the intriguing name alone makes you want to add this to your garden. is a Mediterranean native and a spreading, low-growing mint ground cover that has a nice minty aroma when touched or lightly bruised. Try it as a fragrant filler between pavers or stepping stones.

• 10 of 11

  Flowering Tobacco

  

  Botanical name: Nicotiana

  Details:Especially for nonsmokers, the thought of anything with the name "tobacco" added to this list might raise eyebrows. Flowering tobacco is an upright plant with slightly sticky flowers in pink, white or light green that sometimes open just at night or on cloudy days. The sweetest-smelling varieties are Nicotiana alata 'Grandiflora,' and N. sylvestris. Many gardeners grow flowering tobacco as an annual, making it suitable for many zones.

  Zones: 10-11

  How to Grow Nicotiana

• 11 of 11

  Phlox

  

  Botanical name: Phlox sp.

  Details: A colorful and prolific bloomer that performs in gardens from late spring to early fall. Phlox grows in both sun and shade and is available in a full range of colors.Its scent has been described as "spicy-vanilla clove".

  Zones: Through zone 10