Close your eyes and imagine yourself in the heavenly scent of the most beautiful flowers and no, not just anywhere but in your very own garden. The soft humming of the bees and the spring breeze ruffling through the petals of your garden flowers, spreading the fragrance everywhere – Butterflies fluttering everywhere and you are basking in the warmth of the mellow sun. Dreamy, isn’t it?

If you are planning to upgrade your garden or put together a new one, make sure that you inculcate the sensory pleasure to your garden by layering it with scented flowers. Fortunately, there is a wide range of fragrant flower options to choose from. These flowers come in all sizes and colors of beauty. The flower size doesn’t necessarily have to be big and showy for some amazing fragrance. Also, some liberate the sweet scent in the daytime while some in the evening, and some change their fragrance with the season as well. Permanence also varies from flower to flower. Make your pick by keeping in mind the colors, the foliage, and the climate that it will blossom the best in.

Even if you own a small garden, you can still splurge in the extravagance of scented flowers. Place them in small pots or containers. Hang them on your porch and get a whiff of that gorgeous tang every time you pass.

We have made a selection of the most fragrant flowers that will make your garden smell amazing. And trust us when we say that you just wouldn’t want to spend any of your time elsewhere other than your garden. Well enough said because it’s time for some action!

1. Hyacinth

Spring-blooming perennials, hyacinths are small bulbous fragrant flowers. They originally come in ultraviolet color but now you can find these in almost all pastel colors. An eight to ten inches tall plant or a flower stalk, each bulb produces a cluster of small highly fragrant flowers. Extremely easy to go and easily available, they fill up the garden with vibrant colors and even more vibrant fragrances. Choose a spot where they will receive full sun. Loose moist soil is considered most suitable for planting Hyacinth. We suggest not overwatering these flowering plants as they rot in wet soil.

● Suitable Geolocation:
These plants can be planted across the globe but they flourish best in cool, higher elevation habitats and loose soil.
● Best Time to Plant:
The best time to plant them is after autumn as the bulb needs cold temperatures which finally bloom in the spring. September to November would be the best time of the year to plant them.
● Blooming Season:
The ideal blooming season for Hyacinth is early to mid-spring. The flowers take 3-4 weeks to fully bloom.
Safety Tip: Always use gloves for planting the bulbs as they might cause skin irritation.

2. Magnolia

Breathe in the sweet fragrance of one of the most beautiful flowers. Yes, we are talking about Magnolia! The Magnolia tree is considered to be one of the favorites for southern yards. It is an evergreen tree that blooms big, so not a thing for small yards. It yields gorgeous flowers that have a very distinct scent that fills up the entire neighborhood. Magnolia takes its time to bloom, so patience is a virtue when it comes to magnolia trees. It might take years from the time of its seed germination to the time when it gets big enough to yield flowers. They can thrive in full to moderate sunlight with regular watering.

● Suitable Geolocation:
The coastal areas have the most favorable climatic conditions for growing Magnolias. Warm to dry climates are also ideal for growing magnolias. Magnolias are quite resistant to frost but it’s the cold winds that they cannot take.
● Best Time to Plant:
The ideal time to plant these flowering plants is late spring or autumn.
● Blooming Season:
Generally, Magnolias bloom from late winters to midsummer. But some varieties of Magnolia bloom from late March till the end of April. Southern Magnolias flower from May to September.
Fact: Be prepared to rake up leaves in your garden if you have a magnolia tree as they drop leaves every single day!

3. Gardenia

Gardenia is an evergreen shrub that grows best in warm temperatures. They are native to the tropical regions in Africa, South Asia, and Australia. The mesmerizing fragrance of its blooms is the most striking part of this shrub. It yields small white waxy flowers which is a contrast to the leafy shrub it grows in. Gardenias are quite temperamental plants that require some definite growing conditions and are not compromising at all. The most suitable soil for growing Gardenia is super moist but well-drained. If not, the buds may start falling soon without blooming.

● Suitable Geolocation:
These tiny flowers cannot withstand cold or freezing temperatures as this plant is native to tropical climates. The requirements include no compromise on the temperature, humidity, and sunlight.
● Best Time to Plant:
The best time to plant Gardenias is during moderate temperature. So fall and spring categorize as the best time to plant them.
● Blooming Season:
The fragrant white flowers bloom from late spring to fall. But some can bloom all year round.
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4. Wisteria 

An easy-growing and enchanting smelling vine that yields violet or lavender blooms. It requires plenty of sunlight and an open area to grow. It is very tolerant when it comes to soil conditions. This vine grows aggressively and requires little to less watering. What it needs is sturdy support to grow. While growing Wisteria might be easy, it does require some precautionary measures as it can take over everything in its surroundings. Vigorous pruning is one way to keep it under control.

● Suitable Geolocation:
Wisteria is a very tolerant plant when it comes to climatic conditions. But extreme cold can eventually kill them.
● Best Time to Plant:
Plantation for Wisteria is best done between October and April.
● Blooming Season:
Wisteria usually blooms in mid to late spring

5. Miniature Iris

The miniature iris is also known as the dwarf iris. It yields tiny violet or yellow flowers. They own a very distinctive and charming fragrance and can reach up to the maximum height of six inches. These flowering plants are very easy to grow and they multiply even more easily!

The seed is planted in fall at a spot where it can receive maximum sunlight. If you are planning to plant dwarf iris in beds then we suggest that you leave at least 4 inches of space between each bulb (the bulbs resemble miniature onion bulbs). Water well when planted initially.

● Suitable Geolocation:
Locations with milder temperatures are ideal for growing Miniature Iris. Hardiness for these plants ranges from 5-8.
● Best Time to Plant:
The dwarf iris bulb should be planted in the fall just before the ground freezes.
● Blooming Season:
They can be said to herald the arrival of spring because they are the first to blossom.

6. Peony

Peony is an extremely stunning bush that has the most exquisite flowers in pink, purple, red, white, and yellow. These flowering plants have thriving, rich foliage. The downside is that it is a very thorny plant. So you have to be careful while choosing a spot to plant them. Peonies belong to the perennial plant family, which means that once planted, they will come back year after year. They require full sun and neutral soil for good growth. Since it has a lot of types to choose from, the fragrance also varies with each type. Some have rose-like scents and some have lemony fragrances but some types have no smell at all!

● Suitable Geolocation:
The best geolocation considered for growing peonies is the ones with cooler climates. But some grow well in warmer climates as well.
● Best Time to Plant:
The best time to plant these bulbs is before winters actually start. This is precisely 2-3 weeks before the frost time. When planted in spring, they take more time to start flowering.
● Blooming Season:
The perfect blooming time for these lush bushes is between spring and summer.
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7. Daphne

Daphne is a flowering plant that is deciduous and evergreen. The flower clusters it yields are dramatic clustered tiny pink to white flowers.  Their fragrance can overshadow the fragrance of surrounding flowers due to which they can be located from a distance. But most types grow berries that are very toxic and sometimes poisonous. So if you are a pet owner or have small children at home, we suggest that you carefully research before planting so that you don’t end up with something toxic for them. It is best to plant them in full sunlight and any type of well-drained soil.

● Suitable Geolocation:
They are native to Europe, Asia, and some parts of Africa. Renowned for its scented flowers and colorful berries, Daphne grows in milder temperatures. Harsh weather is not suitable for their growth.
● Best Time to Plant:
The best time to plant these evergreen flowering plants is from spring to early fall. That means warm soil that is moist but not soggy is suitable for them.
● Blooming Season:
It blooms from late spring and well into summer. If you have planted them in the fall, the small pink buds start appearing from February to March.
Did you know? The scent attracts bees which are the biggest pollinators, so in a way, you are helping nature with your beautiful scented garden!

8. Phlox

Native to North America, these flowers are available in a wide range of assorted colors. They make a very striking statement when planted in the gardens as they grow along the edges. They need to be watered on a daily basis because they don’t tolerate dry soil, which causes the foliage to wilt. Phlox needs at least six hours of daily sun exposure. You can make your garden stand out by planting these as their special feature is to attract butterflies and birds.

● Suitable Geolocation:
Any climate is suitable for planting and growing phlox as it is very adaptable. The planting time of the seed varies from climate to climate.
● Best Time to Plant:
It would be best to plant Phlox in spring or autumn when the soil is not overly dry or soggy. It best loves warm and moist soil for growth.
● Blooming Season:
Phlox gives a long blooming season as it blooms from mid-spring to summer.

9. Mahonia

These evergreen shrubs are native to Asia and the Himalayas. Mahonia is closely related to the genus of berries. Mahonia can grow up to six feet high that is why they are sometimes considered as trees also. The flowers have a very faint and delicate scent. They grow best in partial to full shade and can flourish in any kind of soil.

● Suitable Geolocation:
The shrubs are evergreen and grow in milder temperatures. Exposure to cold wind can dry up the foliage.
● Best Time to Plant:
The best plantation time can be spring or autumn. Harsh winters and summers should be avoided as this plant loves cool soil.
● Blooming Season:
It flowers from late summers to early fall in spiky yellow clusters and eventually yields blackish-purple berries
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10.   Sweet Alyssum

Sweet Alyssums are extremely delicate and are ideal for small planters or containers placed on the patios or the window sills. Native to European countries, these flowering plants grow in clusters and are relatively slow-growing. Sweet Alyssum will come to your rescue if you need to cover the ground in some areas of your garden. They are also a great option for flower beds. In some regions, they may come back every year. They are easy to grow and should be watered if the soil feels dry. The honey-like fragrance makes them stand out and attracts a lot of bees.

● Suitable Geolocation:
These flowering plants grow best wherever they can receive full sun concentration for six to eight hours. However, in warmer regions, they might require some protection from the afternoon sun.
● Best time to plant:
The best time to plant these delicate beauties is late spring. It is best when the last of cold or frost has faded as the tender seedlings are not hardy enough for frost.
● Blooming season:
It blooms well after two months of its plantation. Some bloom in spring (frost tolerant type) and some in fall.

Get The Most From Your Scented Flowers With These Tips

While we’re at it, we’d want you to have a look at some very important pointers that will enhance the fragrance journey of your garden. Keeping in mind these simple do’s and don’ts while planting the blossoms will definitely boost the beauty of your garden.

I. Plant Them in Clumps

We suggest that you plant each breed of your selected blossoms in separate clumps or clusters. The bigger the clump the larger impact you will get. Lesser and widely spread flowers will have a milder and dispersed scent. Also, you will get a distinguished fragrance for each breed of flowers you selected for your garden by spreading them throughout your yard.

II. Select the Location Carefully

Selecting the location to plant the flowers is very important as well. Some flowers give off more scents in the evening and nighttime. If possible, plant them near the window of your dining room area.

III. Protect Your Kids From Bee Stings

We can’t deny that bees get attracted to flowers. As much as positive it is for pollination purposes, it has its downside too. Plant your flowers away from the children’s play area if you have any in your garden. You don’t want your child to end up with bee stings!

IV. Do Your Homework

Keep a good knowledge of the flowers that bloom the best for particular weather conditions of the area you live in. Some flowers have a very long-lasting blooming time. Plant something that will give you a maximum of its magnificence. 

V. Categorize Them According to Size and Colors

It’s an undeniable fact that flowers make your garden ambient. Plant them in layers according to the sizes and colors to enhance the visual beauty of your garden along with the sensory!

Fragrances evoke memories so why not plant a layer of these sensory flowers in your garden all year round with the help of our extensive guide. Happy gardening!