Ten Fragrant Plants for Your Landscape

The recent Midwest invasion of smoke from the Canadian wildfires gave us a renewed appreciation for the more heavenly scents of the great outdoors. We’ve previously talked about adding attractive plants to your landscaping, but never touched on which plantings will give you a delightful aromatic garden. Today we will highlight ten of the best-smelling sorts to put into your outside haven this summer.

Dianthus (Dianthus)
Dianthus, also known as “pinks”, due to their bright pink color, grow best when exposed to full sunlight and are embedded in well-drained soil. These beautiful flowers impart a strong, spicy, clove-like fragrance that will surely captivate your eyes and nose.

Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Phlox are much like Dianthus, with a vivid pink hue, but still easy to tell apart by its white and deep red variants. The generous blooms flourish in full light and require regular watering. They will bring a piquant vanilla clove note to your garden, to complement the parallel scent of the Dianthus.

Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens)
Heliotrope is an exotic species that glows in a deep purple color. This flower thrives in full sun but can also grow in partially shaded areas, emitting a lush almond trace that is sure to turn heads. Plant carefully if you have pets, however, as it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Sweet Alyssum (Alyssum maritimum)
Sweet Alyssum comes in a variety of pigments ranging from white to purple or red and makes an attractive groundcover. Lovely small flowers develop in bunches and don't need much more than a sunny location to propagate. As their name suggests, you may detect a honey sweet bouquet throughout your landscape.

Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender is one of the most popular flowers often grown just for its well-received aroma. This plant requires full sun within a well-drained environment and needs relatively low care. With its iconic purple tinge, imbue a scent that is thought to promote relaxation and might even help you sleep.

Hyacinths (Hyacinthus)
These spring bulbs are known to come in just about every tint you can think of and certainly among the first blossoms you’ll notice during warmer seasons. They need partial to full sun and consistent watering, but their beauty is unmistakable and well-worth the extra effort needed to upkeep. On top “good looks”, Hyacinths possess a green, flowery essence with subtle hints of chocolate.

Lilacs (Syringa vulgaris)
A quintessential sign of spring, Lilacs are another well-liked flower known especially for an instantly recognizable fragrance. These bushes need full sun and require little care once they begin to mature. Lilacs are especially known for their purple color and distinct smell, which is comparable to roses, green leaves and almonds.

Lilies (Lillium)
These popular bulbs come in just about all colors and can be grown in a variety of areas depending on the amount of sunlight that is prevalent. The aura of the lily will depend on the specific type you pick, but with such a wide assortment available, there is something for every patch. Beware, some kinds are desired by local deer, so choose accordingly.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
When full grown, Honeysuckle presents itself as either arching shrubs or twining vines. It is widely chosen for both its aesthetically pleasing appearance and prevailing odor. Honeysuckles need watering almost daily and don't require full sunshine. While it may take up to three years for them to begin producing discernable buds, their beauty and delicate smell can be well worth the wait. Their scent is like that of honey and citrus, and your effort and patience pay off in guaranteed enjoyment. As a bonus, Lonicera attract many species of hummingbirds to your garden.

Roses (Rosa)
Roses are the most well-known of flowers and easily identifiable for their beauty and fragrance. On hand in an array of colors, roses will showcase a splash of nature’s paint to your floral bed and provide a unique redolence. Its scent is relative to which sort you select, but it will undoubtedly be a highlight in your yard.

Not sure where to start? That's why we're here! Premier Outdoor Environments can help you choose what's best to grow for you based on your location and the amount of time necessary to maintain it. With our professional assistance, you can have the garden of your dreams. We are confident that your outdoor space is something you will love for years to come.