The Top 7 Fragrant Garden Plants

Is there anything more charming than the aroma of blooming flowers in your garden or on your balcony? As summer approaches, it's the ideal time to enjoy the outdoors. With the warmth of the sun, lively blooms, and the soothing buzz of bees, nature is coming to life again. By incorporating aromatic plants into your garden, patio, or balcony, you can create a peaceful retreat right at home.

Some plants release their fragrance when touched, flowers that scent the air throughout the day, and shrubs that offer a captivating aroma in the evening. These fragrant plants are easily found at garden centers and local nurseries near you.

Fragrant Garden Plants

The scents of roses, lavender, or geraniums can add an extra layer of beauty to your garden. Not only will it be visually appealing, but it will also be wonderfully aromatic. Our garden center in Winterswijk provides a diverse selection of fragrant plants. Some might be familiar to you, while others could be exciting new finds. Come visit us and explore our top 7 fragrant garden plants.

1. Roses

Modern roses often feature extended blooming periods and disease resistance but might lack the classic rose fragrance. Fortunately, many garden centers offer a range of traditional roses that can fill your garden with their signature scent. At local garden centers and nurseries, you can discover:

• Hybrid French Roses (Rosa gallica), including musk roses (Rosa moschata) and Japanese rugosa roses (Rosa rugosa).
• Gallica Roses, such as the apothecary's rose Rosa Gallica 'Versicolor', which blooms in June with a delightful fragrance.
• Musk Roses, which are repeat bloomers, available as shrubs or climbing varieties.
• Japanese Rugosa Roses, robust shrubs with a single blooming season.

2. Lavender

Lavender's scent brings back memories of warm summer days and distant getaways. It's ideal for pots on the patio or as a low hedge near the entrance. The fragrance is released when the plant is brushed, and it retains its grey-green leaves through winter. You can also dry the flowers to use in sachets or as a kitchen flavoring. Lavender flourishes best in sunny, dry spots.

3. Scented Geranium (Pelargonium)

Similar to lavender, scented geraniums release their fragrance when touched. Simply rub a leaf between your fingers to enjoy its aroma. Popular varieties include:

• Lemon Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens or crispum), which has a lemon scent and purple flowers.
• Pelargonium 'Roses of Attar', which emits a rose fragrance and pink flowers.
• Pelargonium odoratissimum, known for its apple scent and small white flowers.
• 'Chocolate Peppermint', with a peppermint aroma, mauve flowers, and chocolate-brown leaf markings.

These geraniums are perfect for pots on your balcony or patio.

4. Anise Hyssop (Agastache)

Anise hyssop's leaves emit a scent reminiscent of anise when touched. This perennial plant blooms for a long period with small lilac or white flowers and attracts butterflies and bees. It is moderately hardy and grows well in both pots and garden beds. Place it in a sunny location.

5. Lilac

The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) can grow into a shrub reaching up to five meters in height. Dwarf varieties (Syringa patula) remain smaller, and there are also lilacs trained as standard trees. These plants bloom in May and June, filling the air with their enchanting fragrance. They thrive in sunny or lightly shaded areas. Flowering branches make excellent cut flowers for vases with floral food.

6. Honeysuckle (Lonicera)

Honeysuckle is an eye-catching climber that releases a sweet fragrance in the evening. Its flowers, available in various colors, attract bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for a pollinator-friendly garden. The plant thrives in moist, nutrient-rich soil and can grow in full sun or partial shade.

7. Sweet Rocket (Hesperis matronalis)

Sweet Rocket might be less known but certainly makes a statement in your garden. This perennial blooms from May to September with white, pink, or lilac flowers that release a stronger fragrance at night. It grows to about 80 centimeters tall and prefers a moist, partially shaded spot.

Local garden centers and nurseries offer a wide range of fragrant plants. Enhance your garden or balcony with these aromatic selections. From fresh roses to spicy lavender, you’re sure to find something you love. Visit, smell, and discover your favorite fragrant plants at your local garden center.