10 Fragrant Perennial Plants That Will Make Your Garden Smell Amazing
10 Fragrant Perennial Plants That Will Make Your Garden Smell Amazing
A garden that only looks good is only doing half the job. Plant these and the whole space starts pulling you outside before you even open the back door.
Lavender
The smell everyone thinks of first, and for good reason. Give it full sun and soil that drains well, and it will flower all summer without asking for much back.
Garden Phlox
The scent gets sweeter as the evening cools down, almost honey-like. Butterflies turn up for it too, so borders end up busy in the best way.
Peony
People grow these for the flowers, then get won over by the smell. Once settled in, a peony will keep blooming for years.
Lily of the Valley
Tiny bells with a scent far bigger than their size suggests. Tuck them into a shady corner and they will slowly spread into a proper carpet.
Dianthus
Also called pinks, and the clove-like smell is instantly familiar once you catch it. Compact enough for a rock garden or a pot by the door.
Bee Balm
Minty, a little citrusy, it is impossible to ignore when brushed past. Bees and hummingbirds seem to agree, which makes it a solid pick for a pollinator patch.
Mock Orange
Late spring brings creamy white flowers and a scent that genuinely smells like orange blossom. One bush near a window changes the whole feel of a room.
Russian Sage
The foliage is silvery and herbal, more noticeable the moment you brush against it. Plant it along a path so people cannot help but release the scent.
Sweet Violet
Small and easy to miss, but the scent gives it away instantly. It prefers a bit of shade and blooms early, right when spring still feels new.
Oriental Lily
It has the most dramatic scent and the flowers match it. In the evening, the fragrance gets stronger, so plant it somewhere where you actually sit.