Ever walk by someone’s garden and catch a whiff of something amazing? That’s exactly what got me hooked on growing sweet-smelling plants!
After lots of hits and misses in my own backyard, I’ve put together a list of my favorite plants that make my garden smell incredible.
Trust me – these plants will make your outdoor space feel like a little piece of heaven!
Top 20 BEST Smelling Plants
1. Jasmine
There’s nothing quite like the moment when evening falls and jasmine’s sweet perfume fills the air. I have mine climbing up my back patio trellis, and it’s become my favorite spot for morning coffee. The star-shaped white flowers are stunning against the deep green foliage.
2. Plumeria (Frangipani)
My vacation to Hawaii inspired me to add these tropical beauties to my pool area. Their sweet, captivating scent instantly transports me back to paradise. I keep mine in large containers so I can move them to protected areas during cold snaps.
3. Gardenia
These creamy white blooms are absolute show-stoppers in my garden. The intoxicating fragrance is strongest in the morning, making my garden feel like a luxury perfume shop. I’ve found they thrive best when given acidic soil and partial shade.
4. Mandevilla (Rock Trumpet)
I discovered this gorgeous climber last summer, and I’m totally hooked! Its gardenia-like scent wafts through my garden from spring until the first frost. Mine thrives on my back fence, creating a stunning fragrant backdrop for outdoor dinners.
5. Dianthus
These sweet little flowers have become my go-to for lining pathways. Their spicy clove-like fragrance gets released every time guests brush past them. I especially love how the ruffled petals add a cottage-garden charm to my flower beds.
6. Angel’s Trumpet
Talk about a show-stopper! I planted one near my patio seating area, and summer evenings have never been the same. The fragrance intensifies at dusk, though I made sure to plant it away from where my kids and pets play since it’s toxic.
7. Roses
After years of being intimidated by roses, I finally took the plunge. Now I have several English varieties that fill my garden with the most incredible sweet, heady aroma. Pro tip: I’ve planted mine away from walkways to avoid any thorny situations!
8. Jewel Mint of Corsica
This is my secret weapon for creating a fragrant pathway! I planted it between my stepping stones, and every footstep releases a delightful minty scent. My kids love running through it barefoot in summer.
9. Sweet Alyssum
These tiny flowers are real workhorses in my garden! I use them as borders everywhere, and their honey-sweet scent keeps my garden smelling amazing all season long. They’re especially gorgeous spilling over the edges of my raised beds.
10. Phlox
The spicy vanilla-clove scent of these beauties makes deadheading them a real treat. I’ve planted both sun and shade varieties throughout my garden to maximize their long blooming season.
11. Wisteria
While it took some convincing to get my husband on board (he worried about its invasive nature), our arbor-covered wisteria has become the crown jewel of our garden. The musky-sweet fragrance in spring is absolutely worth the regular pruning maintenance.
12. Bearded Iris
These were my grandmother’s favorite, and now I understand why. Their sweet fragrance brings back childhood memories, and they’re virtually maintenance-free once established in a sunny spot.
13. Freesia
I plant these bulbs in groups near my outdoor seating areas for their fruity perfume. The vertical blooms make wonderful cutting flowers too – I bring them inside to enjoy their scent throughout the house.
14. Heliotrope
The vanilla-cherry pie scent of these purple clusters always surprises garden visitors. They’ve become my favorite container plant for the patio, where their sweet fragrance can be fully appreciated.
15. Peonies
These are the divas of my spring garden, and rightfully so! Their huge, frilly blooms and intoxicating fragrance make them worth waiting for all year. Once established, they’ve been blooming faithfully for years.
16. Sweet Pea
I grow these charming climbers along my vegetable garden fence. The old-fashioned varieties have the best fragrance, and they make the most amazing cut flowers for bringing that sweet scent indoors.
17. Lilac
The spring day my lilacs bloom is practically a holiday in our house! I’ve planted several varieties, but the purple ones definitely have the strongest fragrance. That classic lilac scent is simply impossible to beat.
18. Moonflower
These night-bloomers transformed my evening garden experience. There’s something magical about watching them unfurl at dusk, releasing their intense fragrance just as we’re settling in for evening relaxation.
19. Hyacinth
These are my reliable spring fragrance makers. I plant them in large groups near the front door to welcome visitors with their powerful sweet scent. Just remember they’re toxic, so I keep them away from curious pets.
20. Lily
I’ve saved one of my absolute favorites for last! My oriental lilies perfume the entire garden from early summer to fall. I’ve planted different varieties to extend the blooming season, creating waves of intoxicating fragrance throughout the warmer months.