November 02, 2021
35 Most Fragrant Flowers For Your Home or Garden
Flowers come in a wide variety of colors, sizes and scents. That being said, deciding what is best for your home or garden can be an overwhelming task. Choosing a flower based on color can be easy, but if you want to know how the scents of your arrangements will work together, that can be trickier. Even more, if purchasing or growing flowers to give as a gift, you might want to have an idea of the scent profile. Researching your fragrant flower options ahead of time will help you when making your selections.
1. Tuberose
Said to be the most fragrant plant in the world, the tuberose can produce a heavy, sweet scent for up to 48 hours after picking. Due to the easy nature of this flower, these can be grown outside in a garden or gifted to someone special. If planting, do note that the tuberose will need about five months of growth before blooming. If kept in a vase, you can expect this to stay healthy for approximately 7-10 days.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Sweet
Preferred light: Full sun, will tolerate shade
Preferred water: Good soaking once a week
Best growing temperature: Warm to hot temperatures (USDA Zones 7-10)
2. Stock
Stock flowers are quite incredible, blooming from early spring to the beginning of summer. Depending on your climate, these can be grown annually, perennially or biennially and produce a wide variety of colors like blue, white or pink. Stock is a great gifting flower as it can pair well in several combinations. Consider planting or gifting with phlox and heliotrope, with pansies or with sweet peas.
Perennial/annual: Annual, biennial or perennial
Fragrance notes: Sweet and spicy
Preferred light: Full sun, though partial shade in hotter climates
Preferred water: Rainwater; once or twice a week if particularly dry
Best growing temperature: Warm to cool temperatures (USDA Zones 7-10)
3. Carnation
Carnations are a very recognizable flower for many reasons, but they are most widely known for their unique spicy and floral fragrance. While you can certainly plant these in your garden and watch them thrive, they are primarily seen in floral arrangements due to their versatility and the ease of carnation care.
Carnations are widely gifted as Mother’s Day flowers but different colors can be gifted to recipients depending on the occasion. These are easy to grow and can grow up to 30 inches high, making these a staple for your garden.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Floral, spicy
Preferred light: Full sun, some partial shade is fine
Preferred water: Once a week
Best growing temperature: Warm temperatures, low humidity (USDA Zones 5-9)
4. Stargazer Lily
Perhaps one of the most recognizable lilies, the Stargazer lily is sure to bring the flavorful scent of spice to your garden or home. These large blooms are the perfect size to have toward the back of your garden or in the forefront of a bouquet. Be aware of the pollen on these beauties though; because the stamen is so prominent, it’s easy to transfer the pollen from the flower onto your clothes.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Spicy, clove
Preferred light: Full sun
Preferred water: 1 inch per week
Best growing temperature: Tolerant to zone climates (USDA Zones 4-9)
5. Gardenia
The gardenia can take some effort to grow properly, so it might be best to look into gardenia care before planting. That being said, its fragrance is well worth the effort! This flower is typically grown indoors in pots or planters to give your home the powerful smell of spice.
If growing outdoors, keep in mind that this flower does not tolerate cold temperatures well and can be susceptible to insects and mildew. This beautiful flower is also toxic to pets, so be wary.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Zesty, spicy
Preferred light: Partial shade
Preferred water: Constantly moist (in winter, reduce)
Best growing temperature: Warm to hot temperatures (USDA Zones 8-11)
6. Lilac
The lilac bush is a highly recognizable, highly scented garden favorite. These are typically low maintenance and can grow anywhere from eight to 30 feet. When planted outside, these are most fragrant during a warm day with plenty of sun, which makes a great reason to take an afternoon stroll. Lilacs have different meanings according to their color; purple lilacs are traditionally the symbol of first love, a great gift for a budding romance.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Sweet
Preferred light: Full sun
Preferred water: Moderate water (but not soaked)
Best growing temperature: Cool to cold temperatures (USDA Zones 3-7)
7. Hyacinth
Small yet powerful in scent, the hyacinth is a traditionally easily grown spring flower. Their sweet and floral scent is a natural air freshener, and you can either gift these in a bouquet or as a potted plant to line your friends’ or family members’ walkways. These are another flower that is toxic to pets and children, so be mindful.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Floral, sweet, spicy
Preferred light: Full sun
Preferred water: Moist but not wet
Best growing temperature: Tolerant to zone climates (USDA Zones 4-8)
8. Angel’s Trumpets
This show-stopping tropical flower is sure to bring attention to your yard and garden. Angel’s trumpets feature long hanging trumpet-shaped blooms and can grow to be upwards of 10 feet tall.
Don’t expect these to blossom right away though; it can take up to five years after planting seeds for the beautiful flowers to present themselves. Be wary of planting if you have pets or children, as all parts of Angel’s trumpets are toxic.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Sweet
Preferred light: Full
Preferred water: 3 inches a week
Best growing temperature: Moderate to warm temperatures (USDA Zones 8-10)
9. Tulip
Tulips are often a top-of-mind thought for spring and are considered one of the most beautiful flowers available. Sprouting in many different colors, tulip blossoms are nearly symmetrical. If used as a cut flower in a vase, they can even grow up to another inch! A friendly reminder for any pet parents: Tulips are poisonous for dogs, causing gastrointestinal problems and other serious conditions.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Spicy, apple
Preferred light: Partial shade to full sun
Preferred water: Weekly
Best growing temperature: Cool to cold temperatures (USDA Zones 3-7)
10. Japanese Wisteria
The Japanese wisteria can be either an attractive vine sprouting numerous fragrant purple flowers or an overgrown vine that takes over your garden. With proper care and maintenance, this can provide sweet-smelling blooms for several years. Consider planting where other flowers and plants won’t succumb to invasion if this does grow quickly.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Sweet
Preferred light: Full sun
Preferred water: Regular water during first year
Best growing temperature: Tolerant to zone climates (USDA Zones 4-9)
11. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are the perfect orange flower for a fall bouquet or planter. While fragrant with an herby scent, it’s not overpowering, which makes it a great addition with pansies, coral bells and even small pumpkins. Remember that this particular flower has a limited root so planting in a garden isn’t ideal, but it would thrive in a pot or planter (perhaps on your front porch).
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Herb, earthy
Preferred light: Full sun
Preferred water: Moist but not soaked
Best growing temperature: Warm to cool temperatures (USDA Zones 3-9)
12. Honeysuckle
Honeysuckles are a sign of warm weather ahead and blossom gorgeous yellow flowers. This is a relatively easy vine to care for, as it primarily only needs good pruning and minimal care. These do attract wildlife so keep that in mind while planting. These will liven up your home with their honey scent, so feel free to pass along some blossoms to family members.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Honey, citrus
Preferred light: Full sun
Preferred water: 1 inch per week
Best growing temperature: Tolerant to zone climates (USDA Zones 5-9)
13. Orange Jasmine
Orange jasmine, while not an orange flower, does boast an enjoyable sweet orange fragrance that is sure to bring a smile to your face. These are more compact than other fragrant flowers and do happen to attract bees and birds to your yard. The orange scent that this flower provides can help provide a calming effect, so consider gifting to a friend that may be having a difficult time.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Sweet, orange
Preferred light: Full sun to partial shade
Preferred water: Once per week, thoroughly
Best growing temperature: Cool to moderate temperatures, high humidity (USDA Zones 10-12)
14. White Plumeria
The white plumeria is traditionally used in Hawaiian leis as it is a tropical plant. Due to this, these thrive best in a climate that mimics the tropics. These tend to give off a floral fragrance, so oftentimes they are used as wedding flowers. If used in a bouquet, don’t shy away from using this as a primary flower.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Citrus, sweet or spicy
Preferred light: Full or partial sun
Preferred water: 1 inch a week
Best growing temperature: Hot, high humidity (USDA Zones 10-11)
15. Evening Primrose
While some might view the evening primrose as a weed, most find this yellow flower a delicate addition to any garden. This can be a little temperamental as it can invade other plants in the garden, but if pruned and trimmed correctly, it’ll provide you with all-around beauty. As the name suggests this is a nocturnal flower, so in order to get the most out of the scent, be sure to step outside during the evening hours.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Vanilla
Preferred light:Full sun to partial shade
Preferred water: Regular watering
Best growing temperature: Cool temperatures (USDA Zones 4-9)
16. Lily of the Valley
Unlike most fragrant flowers, the lily of the valley blooms are relatively small. Don’t let this deter you from planting though, as these small bell-shaped flowers pack a large scent profile. This, like a few other heavily scented flowers, is poisonous, so use caution if you have pets or children. Use these blooms as an accent in a bouquet; they look especially wonderful when paired with roses.
An important note about the lily of the valley: They thrive best in temperatures that are 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit; much hotter than that and they won’t bloom to their full potential.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Floral, fresh, sweet
Preferred light: Partial shade
Preferred water: Water weekly for first 4-6 weeks, then less frequently
Best growing temperature: 60-70ºF (USDA Zones 3-9)
17. Chocolate Cosmos
A very unique flower from the rest of the bunch, the chocolate cosmos is an attention grabber. While the petals are a deep maroon color, this flower provides a delicious chocolate scent. Because of this, these are typically grown indoors but will thrive just as well planted in the garden.
For a unique gifting idea, try pairing these with the orange jasmine flower for an intoxicating scent combination. You can also gift this flower with some Godiva chocolate treats to enhance the chocolate experience.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Chocolate, sugar
Preferred light: Full sun
Preferred water: Deep watering once a week; prone to overwatering
Best growing temperature: Warm, moderate temperatures (USDA Zones 7-11)
18. Daphne
A shrub for a more experienced gardener, the daphne can take up to 10 years to reach full maturity. Unlike other flowering plants that are rather easy to maintain, daphne tends to be particularly difficult to transplant and can die without warning. However, if successful, you’ll be gifted with mini bouquets that emit a sweet and spicy fragrance. This is a plant that you’ll want to keep away from pets and children as it is toxic.
Perennial/annual: Evergreen shrub
Fragrance notes: Spicy, sweet
Preferred light: Full sun to partial shade
Preferred water: Several times a week during first year; at least 1 inch per week thereafter
Best growing temperature: Tolerant to zone climates (USDA Zones 7-9)
19. Freesia
Freesia is a remarkable flower, growing in shades of yellow, red and purple. Usually a wedding flower staple, freesia can be grown as single or double flowers. One important note about the freesia: For the best blooms, nighttime temperatures need to be between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Because the flowers grow on one side, you might find that you need to provide support to keep the plant upright. If growing multiple colors, consider making a bouquet to give to friends, as a multicolored freesia bouquet symbolizes friendship and thoughtfulness.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Sweet, berry
Preferred light: Full to partial sun
Preferred water: Once per week
Best growing temperature: Warm to mild temperatures (USDA Zones 9-10)
20. Sweet Pea
Over the years the sweet pea has been bred to not be as fragrant, but these still smell beautiful, providing a fresh scent that is highly recognizable. Feel free to pick these flowers often to allow even more growth (gift to a friend and keep some for yourself).
Be watchful of snails or slugs that can attack seedlings and young plants. Sweet peas need plenty of space so ensure that there is enough room for good circulation. Remember that these are toxic, so plant with caution.
Perennial/annual: Annual
Fragrance notes: Fresh, citrus, honey
Preferred light: Full sun
Preferred water: Moist; water weekly
Best growing temperature: Warm temperatures (USDA Zones 4-8)
21. Snapdragon
Snapdragons can range from several inches to about four feet tall, giving these flowers sizable potential. They symbolize grace and strength, making them appropriate for gardens and gifting. Because these can grow tall, you might need to stake them to prevent falling. Their scent is rather different from most fragrant flowers, emitting a scent that can be described as bubblegum.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Fruity, bubblegum
Preferred light: Full sun to partial shade
Preferred water: 1 inch per week
Best growing temperature: Tolerant to zone climates (USDA Zones 9-10)
22. Buttonbush
The buttonbush looks different than most other flowers that smell pleasant. These ball-shaped blooms don’t need much pruning or upkeep, other than ensuring that the soil is always moist. These would thrive best near a water source, such as a pond. Be mindful that these can attract deer, so perhaps it’s best to keep these away from the rest of your flowers.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Sweet
Preferred light: Full to partial sun
Preferred water: Thrives best near water
Best growing temperature: Tolerant to zone climates (USDA Zones 5-10)
23. Sweet Alyssum
Great in a hanging basket or garden, sweet alyssum provides a sweet and honey-like scent that can’t be missed. Unlike most other fragrant flowers, these pack a large punch in a small bloom. Another easy plant to care for, the main problem to be cautious of is pests.
Feel free to plant around taller plants to give depth to your garden or consider gifting a DIY seed packet filled with sweet alyssum seeds to help a friend start their own garden.
Perennial/annual: Annual
Fragrance notes: Sweet, honey
Preferred light: Full sun (some shade if in a particularly hot climate)
Preferred water: 1 inch a week; more if particularly dry
Best growing temperature: Moderate temperatures (USDA Zones 5-9)
24. Phlox
Phlox makes a perfect cutting flower due to its sturdy stem. This is a generally easy flower to take care of and has a long prosperous flowering season. These typically need significant space to grow, so remember to allow 18-24 inches in between plants to avoid crowding. With a mild fragrance, phlox won’t overpower an indoor space, making this perfect for a countertop plant.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Sweet
Preferred light: Full to partial sun
Preferred water: Evenly moist; prone to overwatering
Best growing temperature: Warm, not hot temperatures (USDA Zones 4-8)
25. Iris
With more than 300 varieties, the iris is a flexible flower for most environments. If planting in your garden, you can expect them to attract hummingbirds or butterflies, but not deer. Irises come in yellow, blue and purple varieties, making them easily paired with tulips, pansies and peonies. As a reminder, irises are toxic to pets and children, so be sure to limit access.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Wood, spicy
Preferred light: Full sun, partial shade for some varieties
Preferred water: Consistent moisture
Best growing temperature: Tolerant to zone climates (USDA Zones 3-9)
26. Orchid
If you’re looking for an undemanding flower to grow indoors that also smells wonderful, look no further than the orchid. The most temperamental aspect of keeping this flower healthy is the humidity; as they need 50-70%, you might need to use a humidifier or mist daily. Feel free to give this flower to friends, family or other loved ones, as orchids represent love and strength.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Spicy, citrus, floral
Preferred light: Partial shade
Preferred water: Every other day when dry and hot
Best growing temperature: Warm temperatures (USDA Zones 6-9)
27. Peony
Peonies are perhaps one of the most versatile flowers that can be planted, ranging from Zones 2 to 8. As they grow, remember to trim as necessary, as their stems will not support too much weight. Peonies can be grown in a wide variety of colors and the fragrances can differ from sweet and rose-like to spicy. If using it in a floral arrangement, consider combining it with roses and irises for a truly magical bouquet.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Sweet, spicy, citrus
Preferred light: Full sun; partial shade will also produce results
Preferred water: 1-2 inches weekly
Best growing temperature: Cool to cold temperatures (USDA Zones 2-8)
28. Flowering Tobacco
Don’t let the name fool you; the flowering tobacco flower does not smell like tobacco. Most fragrant at night, these are the perfect flower to stop and smell when outside moon gazing. Trimming away at dead or dying flowers is important to stimulate the growth of new blooms.
Because of their powerful scent, these are a go-to for flower arrangements; just remember that the flowers are delicate. As it does contain trace amounts of nicotine, do keep away from children and pets.
Perennial/annual: Annual
Fragrance notes: Sweet, floral
Preferred light: Full sun to partial shade
Preferred water: Routinely moist soil
Best growing temperature: Moderate temperatures (USDA Zones 10-11)
29. Sweet Autumn Clematis
Sweet autumn clematis can grow up to 30 feet, so trimming is essential to keep it looking pristine. Late fall is the best time to prune these beauties to remove seed heads (which stops it from growing in places it shouldn’t).
Be wary of planting near other plants, as this can strangle others rather easily if left unmanaged. As a safety note: Sweet autumn clematis is toxic to animals like cats, dogs and cattle. While not deadly for humans, it can cause stomach issues if consumed.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Sweet, vanilla
Preferred light: Full sun to partial shade
Preferred water: 1 inch a week; less with significant rainfall
Best growing temperature: Tolerant to zone climates (USDA Zones 5-9)
30. Rose
Roses are a very common fragrant flower to have in your garden, as these flowers promote not only beauty outside but are economically practical for fresh flowers inside your home. With so many types of roses available, you’ll be sure to find a variety that will thrive in your garden or a few that can be paired together to make a wonderful gift.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Sweet with notes of apple, clove and lemon
Preferred light: Full sun
Preferred water: Twice a week
Best growing temperature: Tolerant to zone climates (USDA Zones 2-11 depending on type)
31. Bee Balm
Bee balm is not only appealing and fragrant to humans but also attracts creatures like butterflies, hummingbirds and, as the name suggests, bees to your garden. Sprouting colors of white, pink and red, the bee balm can grow from two and a half to four feet tall.
These boast a scent that is different from most fragrant flowers; unlike fresh or floral scents, the bee balm produces a smell that you can find in most kitchens: oregano with a hint of mint. These would pair well with the flowers of the mock orange (see below). For best results, trim flowers rather frequently to stimulate new growth.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Citrus, oregano, mint
Preferred light: Full sun
Preferred water: Once a week, more frequently if extremely hot
Best growing temperature: Tolerant to zone climates (USDA Zones 4-9)
32. Mock Orange
The mock orange bush is a noteworthy way to add a citrus scent to not only your garden but your entire house. Remember that while this bush has a short blooming period, you can easily spruce up your kitchen with the cut flowers. One important thing to note is that if you do want this to rebloom next year, it’s imperative to prune your mock orange as soon as it’s done blooming for the season.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Citrus
Preferred light: Full sun to partial shade
Preferred water: Steady moisture (1 inch per week)
Best growing temperature: Cold to warm temperatures (USDA Zones 4-8)
33. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
The yesterday, today and tomorrow shrub is nothing short of a unique addition to your garden. These special flowers bloom first as a bright violet, then change to a pale lavender, then to a white flower, showcasing the beautiful transition over the span of three days.
Once fully grown, these can be between three and six feet tall, making these perfect for a garden or large pot. If you have dogs or small children, make sure to keep them far away from these plants as they are highly toxic.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Sweet
Preferred light: Partial to full sun
Preferred water: Weekly (more if extremely dry or hot)
Best growing temperature: Warm; consider moving indoors when cold (USDA Zones 9-12)
34. Lavender
Lavender is perhaps one of the most recognizable fragrant purple flowers that you can grow. This scent is used in a variety of self-care items such as soap and lotion and can even be used for stress relief. Due to the versatility of this plant, you can grow lavender indoors to truly enjoy the smell day after day.
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Fresh, light, floral
Preferred light: Full sun
Preferred water: Water regularly during first season
Best growing temperature: Tolerant to zone climates (USDA Zones 5-8)
35. Ginger Lily
Sometimes referred to as butterfly ginger, a ginger lily isn’t a type of lily at all! Technically a member of the ginger family, this sweet-smelling flower is a perfect option for gifting to a friend, family member or even for yourself. It’s important to note that the ginger lily needs rather specific temperatures to grow; between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit is best.
The only real work that this plant needs is the occasional trimming, as it can become untamed quite easily. Be sure to pass along the trimmings to brighten up the houses of those you love!
Perennial/annual: Perennial
Fragrance notes: Fresh, sweet, tropical
Preferred light: Full sun to partial shade
Preferred water: Moist to wet soil
Best growing temperature: Warm temperatures (USDA Zones 8-10)
Whether starting an outdoor garden, gifting flowers to a loved one or friend, or deciding on flowers for your own tabletop, there are plenty of fragrant flower options to choose from. Try mixing up a variety of flowers in a lovely bouquet or sticking with a color theme for your garden. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to take a moment each day to stop and smell the flowers.