Some flowers look lovely but offer even more charm when you catch their scent. If you want a garden that delights the eyes and nose, there are many plants that do both. From sweet peas to lavender, these choices bring both beauty and fragrance to outdoor spaces. Many are safe for people and pets, so you can enjoy them without worry. Whether you want climbing vines or colorful ground cover, there is something here for every gardener. Here are some of the most beautiful plants that also smell amazing.
1. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
Gardenias are famous for their creamy white flowers and sweet, rich fragrance. These evergreen shrubs thrive in warm climates and prefer slightly acidic soil. Their glossy, dark green leaves make them just as eye-catching as their blooms. Gardenias need a bit of care, including regular watering and protection from frost. The strong scent can fill an entire yard during bloom time. They grow well in containers or garden beds.
2. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Sweet alyssum is a low-growing plant with small clusters of tiny white, pink, or purple flowers. It gives off a light, honey-like scent that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. This plant is often used along borders or in hanging baskets because of its trailing habit. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Sweet alyssum grows quickly and blooms through most of the growing season. It is a favorite for gardeners who want both fragrance and ground cover.
3. Peony (Paeonia spp.)
Peonies produce large, lush flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow. Their scent ranges from sweet to spicy, depending on the variety. These perennial plants bloom in late spring and need full sun to grow well. Peonies can live for many years if planted in well-drained soil. Once established, they are low-maintenance and resistant to pests. Their big blooms and pleasant smell make them a showstopper in any garden.
4. Fragrant Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
Fragrant hyacinths are spring-blooming bulbs that fill the air with a strong, sweet scent. Their upright flower spikes come in many colors, including blue, pink, purple, and white. These plants do best in full sun and well-drained soil. Hyacinths are often used in garden beds, pots, or along walkways. Their fragrance is especially noticeable in the early morning. Handle the bulbs with care, as they may irritate the skin before planting.
5. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is one of the most well-known fragrant plants. Its purple flowers and silvery-green leaves add beauty and charm to any garden. This plant thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Lavender is drought-tolerant once established and attracts bees and butterflies. It also helps keep pests like mosquitoes away. The scent is calming and is often used in oils and sachets.
6. Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
Sweet peas are climbing vines with colorful flowers that smell like candy. They grow best in cool weather and need a trellis or support to climb. These plants come in many colors, including red, pink, blue, and white. The fragrance is strongest in heirloom varieties. Sweet peas prefer full sun and rich, moist soil. Deadheading helps them bloom longer through the season.
7. Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
Jasmine is a vine known for its small white flowers and strong, sweet smell. It blooms from late spring to fall in warm climates. This plant needs full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. Jasmine can be trained to climb fences, walls, or trellises. It also grows well in containers on patios. The scent is strongest in the evening and attracts moths and other night pollinators.
8. Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
Lilacs are shrubs with cone-shaped clusters of flowers that smell like spring. They bloom in late spring and come in shades of purple, pink, and white. These plants need full sun and well-drained soil to do their best. Lilacs are cold-hardy and can live for decades with the right care. Their scent is strong and can carry across the yard. Prune them after blooming to shape the plant and encourage more flowers.
9. Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Magnolia trees produce large, creamy flowers that smell like lemons or sweet spice. The glossy, dark green leaves and strong branches make them beautiful all year. These trees grow well in full sun to part shade and need moist, well-drained soil. Magnolias can grow quite large, so give them space to spread. Their blooms appear in late spring and summer. The scent is strongest when the weather is warm.
10. Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens)
Heliotrope is a small plant with clusters of purple, blue, or white flowers that smell like vanilla. It does best in full sun and rich, moist soil. Heliotrope is often used in pots or garden borders. It needs regular watering, especially during dry spells. The scent is strongest in the evening or on warm days. This plant can be grown as an annual in most areas.
11. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee balm has bright, frilly flowers and a minty, citrus-like scent. It blooms in summer and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This plant prefers full sun but will grow in light shade. It does well in moist soil and spreads easily, making it a good choice for natural-looking gardens. Bee balm is part of the mint family and can also be used to make tea. Prune it after flowering to control its spread.
12. Roses (Rosa spp., select non-toxic varieties)
Some roses are both stunning and strongly fragrant. Choose varieties known for scent, such as 'Mister Lincoln' or 'Madame Isaac Pereire.' Roses need full sun, well-drained soil, and regular care. Pruning, watering, and feeding help them stay healthy and bloom longer. Their scent can be spicy, sweet, or citrusy depending on the type. Always check the variety to ensure it is safe for pets.
13. Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius)
Mock orange is a shrub with white flowers that smell like orange blossoms. It blooms in late spring or early summer and grows well in sun or light shade. The plant is easy to care for and prefers well-drained soil. It can be used in hedges or as a single garden feature. The strong, sweet scent is especially nice after rain. Prune right after flowering to keep the shape.
14. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm is a fast-growing herb with bright green leaves that smell like lemons. It does not bloom showy flowers, but its scent comes from the leaves. This plant grows well in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist soil. Lemon balm is great for herbal teas and natural insect control. It spreads quickly, so plant it in a container or trim often. The fragrance is strongest when the leaves are crushed.
15. Freesia (Freesia spp.)
Freesias are small, colorful flowers with a strong, sweet scent. They bloom in late winter or spring and come in many shades like yellow, pink, red, and white. Freesias grow from bulbs and prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are often used in cut flower arrangements because of their fragrance. These plants need regular watering during growth but should dry out after blooming. Freesias are safe and cheerful additions to flower beds.
16. Chocolate Cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus)
Chocolate cosmos is a dark red flower that smells like rich cocoa. It is a striking plant with velvety petals and a unique scent. This plant likes full sun and well-drained soil. It blooms in summer and adds a dramatic touch to flower beds. Chocolate cosmos is often grown from tubers and may need winter protection in cold areas. The scent is strongest in the heat of the day.
17. Dianthus (Dianthus spp.)
Dianthus plants, also called pinks, have frilly flowers with a spicy, clove-like smell. They come in colors like pink, red, white, and lavender. These plants grow well in full sun and well-drained soil. Dianthus blooms from spring through fall with regular deadheading. Their low height makes them perfect for borders or rock gardens. The flowers are also edible and can be used to decorate dishes.
18. Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)
Tuberose is a tall plant with long spikes of white flowers and a strong, sweet scent. It blooms in late summer and grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Tuberose is often used in perfumes because of its intense fragrance. The plant needs regular watering during the growing season. In cooler areas, dig up the bulbs before frost. Its flowers glow at dusk and release more scent in the evening.
19. Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
Chamomile has small, daisy-like flowers and a fresh, apple-like smell. It grows best in full sun and light, sandy soil. Chamomile is easy to grow and often used in herbal teas. It attracts helpful insects like hoverflies and ladybugs. This plant is low-growing and can be used as a ground cover or in pots. The flowers are edible and have calming properties.
20. Osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans)
Osmanthus is a slow-growing shrub with tiny white or orange flowers that release a strong apricot-like scent. It blooms in fall and sometimes again in spring. This plant grows best in full sun or partial shade and likes well-drained soil. Osmanthus can be used as a hedge or standalone plant. It is evergreen in mild climates and easy to care for. The fragrance is subtle at first but builds over time.
21. Stock (Matthiola incana)
Stock is a cool-season flower that smells sweet and spicy. It has tall stems with clusters of blooms in pink, white, purple, or yellow. Stock grows best in full sun and rich, moist soil. It blooms in spring or fall, depending on the climate. The scent is strongest at night. Stock is often used in bouquets and adds a soft look to garden beds.
22. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet woodruff is a shade-loving ground cover with small white flowers and fragrant leaves. The scent is mild and smells like fresh hay or vanilla. This plant prefers moist, rich soil and does well under trees or in shady borders. It spreads by runners and forms a soft carpet of green. Sweet woodruff is also used in homemade potpourri and herbal drinks. Trim it back after flowering to control growth.
23. Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia)
Angel's trumpet is a tropical plant with huge, trumpet-shaped flowers that hang down and smell like citrus. The scent is strongest at night and can fill an entire yard. This plant grows well in full sun and needs regular watering. It adds drama to any garden but should be handled with care. All parts of the plant are toxic if eaten, so avoid it in pet-friendly gardens. Grow in containers to control its size and location.
24. Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)
Night-blooming jasmine has small, greenish-white flowers that open at dusk and release a strong, sweet scent. It grows quickly and can reach shrub size in warm climates. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and moist soil. The fragrance can be overwhelming in closed spaces, so plant it where air flows freely. It attracts moths and other night pollinators. Keep it away from pets, as parts of the plant are mildly toxic.
25. Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium graveolens)
Scented geraniums have fuzzy leaves that smell like rose, mint, lemon, or even chocolate, depending on the variety. The flowers are small but colorful, and the real appeal is in the leaves. These plants grow well in pots or sunny garden spots with well-drained soil. They need regular trimming to keep their shape. Crush the leaves to release the scent. Scented geraniums are safe and fun to grow.
Scents That Steal the Show
A garden filled with fragrant plants adds something special that goes beyond looks. These flowers and shrubs offer sweet, spicy, or citrusy scents that make outdoor spaces more enjoyable. Many of them are easy to grow and safe to plant around pets and children. Some bloom in spring, while others shine in summer or fall, giving you scent across the seasons. Whether you like soft pastels or bold colors, these plants bring both beauty and fragrance to the table. Choose your favorites and let your garden smell as good as it looks.