The best thing about a flower garden — besides the beautiful pops of color — is the scent. If you want flowers that bring both a gorgeous look and an irresistible smell to your yard, here are 10 flower varieties that smell AMAZING.
1. Evening Scented Stock
The nickname sounds a little weird, but the scientifically-named Matthiola longipetala carries the common name of Evening Scented Stock because of its heavenly scent that’s released — you guessed it — in the evening. Choose from several different pastel shades.
2. Sweet Alyssum
This is actually one of the easiest annuals to grow, and one of the best-smelling. It grows in full sun to part shade, and blooms early spring to fall, so you can enjoy the scent that much longer.
3. Heliotrope
Heliotrope can be an annual or perennial, depending on where you live. In temperate climates, it’s grown as an annual, but will come back every year in warmer regions. Plus, it smells fantastic!
4. Lily of the Valley
This delicate flower boasts an intoxicating scent. As it will spread, give it ample space with edging. It does well in the shade.
5. 4 O’Clocks
Yep, this lily-like flower is named for the time of day its blooms tend to open — when the temperatures drop toward evening time. Those blooms will stay open all night, putting out a glorious smell. Even when the warming sun causes them to close in the morning, you’ll still be able to sniff that scent.
6. Petunias
A lot of people plant petunias, but have you ever really appreciated their scent? While many of the modern varieties don’t carry a lot of fragrance, the older ones still have a slightly spicy, fun smell to them. Look for the long-standing purple or white vining varieties, Surfinias, Frills & Spills, “Supertunias” or Candyfloss.
7. Honeysuckle
When I was a kid, I loved to pluck these off and suck the sweetness out of the end. But honeysuckle also smells amazing. Opt for the non-invasive types rather than the Japanese variety.
8. Roses
You knew this would be on the list. But there are certain types of roses that offer a more prolific scent than others. At your local nursery, check the tags and look for those that are labeled as “scented,” because some types are bred specifically for fragrance. Mr. Lincoln or Princesse Charlene de Monaco are two varieties to try.
9. Penonies
Known for their ample, full blooms, peonies also have a remarkably lovely smell. Sarah Bernhardt and Festiva Maxima are two highly-scented types to look for. Note: ants love peonies, but they aren’t eating them…they just love the nectar.
10. Butterfly Bush
A heavenly scent AND butterflies? For your garden, it doesn’t get much better than that. Butterfly bushes are available in smaller, non-invasive dwarf varieties that won’t take over your whole garden.
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