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University of Rhode Island GreenShare Factsheets

Fragrance Gardens

Many gardeners complain that modern-day flowers have lost their sweet fragrance compared to old-fashioned varieties. It is true that some hybrid flowers have been bred for larger blooms, bolder colors, disease resistance, and other improvements at the expense of fragrance. However, there are still plenty of choices for planning an aromatic showcase.

The source of fragrance in plants depends a bit on the species; some plants' flowers produce scent in specialized glands to attract potential insect pollinators. Other plants may have aromatic oils in their foliage, only to be released if bruised or crushed.

To fully enjoy fragrant plants in the garden, introduce the plants in calm areas out of the wind and breeze. Such areas also may be created under arbors or by fences, walls or hedges--in fact, the word "arbor" comes from "herber," a place where fragrant plants grew.

Your fragrance garden should be planned with lots of study and personal experience. Like other gardens, you'll want to design a scheme that will have something of interest throughout the season, rather than having all of the fragrance at the same time. Some scents may complement each other, while others may clash. Beauty here is in the nose of the beholder, since what may be enchanting to one person may be offensive to the next.

To get you started on your plan, the following plants have earned their fragrant reputations. Cultivars and varieties of plants may vary in their potency, so be sure to do your homework, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations. You can always rearrange the planting should you find your design to be lacking.

Annuals
sweet pea
sweet alyssum
evening stock
nasturtium (some)
scented geraniums
heliotrope
santolina

Perennials
hyacinth
poet's narcissus
artemisia
daylily (some)
chrysanthemum (some)
hyssop
red valerian
lavender
peony
thyme
sweet woodruff
sweetautumn clematis
lemon verbena
sweet sultan
lily-of-the-valley
sweet rocket
hosta (some)
iris (some)
lily (some)
bee balm
evening primrose

Trees/Shrubs/Vines
lilac
mock orange
rose
snowball viburnum
clethra (summersweet)
honeysuckle
Carolina allspice
linden (basswood)

Adapted from Dr. Leonard Perry, University of Vermont Extension, and B. Rosie Lerner, Purdue University, 2001

Pesticides are poisonous! Read and follow all safety precautions on labels. Handle carefully and store in original containers out of reach of children, pets or livestock. Dispose of empty containers immediately, in a safe manner and place. Pesticides should never be stored with foods or in areas where people eat.

When trade names are used for identification, no product endorsement is implied, nor is discrimination intended against similar materials. Be sure that the pesticide you intend to use is registered for the state of use.

The user of this information assumes all risk for personal injury or property damage.

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For more information, call the URI CE Gardening and Food Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-1011 or (401)874-2929 from outside Rhode Island; Monday-Thursday between 9 am and 2 pm.

 

University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension provides equal program opportunities.