Witch Hazel or Hamamellis 'Pallida'
Fragrant Plants
By Howard Drury DHE(Hons)
Introduction
This Fact Sheet is intended only as a brief guide to the use of scented plants in the garden, further information on this extensive subject can be found in some of the many books devoted to perfumed plants. Fragrance is an attribute sometimes overlooked when planning the garden border or patio display, but there are huge numbers of attractive flowers and shrubs which have the added attraction of a variety of scents. Fragrant and aromatic plants have a long history of use, particularly in connection with religious and magic ritual. Indeed, the word perfume derives from the Latin words "per" meaning through and "fumare" to smoke - a reference to the scented smoke which arose from ancient altars. Amongst the most commonly grown scented plants today are the herbs. Many gardens have plants of mint, lavender, rosemary, sage and thyme, often for culinary use but sometimes simply for their sweet smell
Today we can enjoy our scented plants in the home and garden or use leaves and petals to make pot-pourri and other sweet smelling items. It is not necessary to understand the formation and composition of scents to be able to appreciate the benefits of perfumed plants in the garden. Some are more heavily scented in the evening, others may not smell at all until the leaves or petals are bruised to release the fragrance. Trees, shrubs, bulbs, annuals, perennials - there are scented plants in every group so that the interested gardener can find something suitable for every garden situation. Even in winter there are a few plants which provide fragrance either in the garden or in a vase in the home.
Situation
The range of scented plants is so extensive that there are plants for every situation in the garden. However, it is worth remembering that because the scent is often airborne, a sheltered area will retain its perfumes far better than a more exposed, windy site. Plants with aromatic leaves are often most effectively grown along paths, around doorways or seating areas, where they will come into contact with passers-by and release their scent. Containers sited against a warm wall will enhance the perfume of plants as the heat radiates from the brickwork. It is not necessary to have a garden to enjoy perfumed plants. Many houseplants are scented and the wide variety of containers now available, whether for indoor or outdoor use, ensures that almost any plant can be grown in this way and enjoyed for its fragrance.
Scented Plants For Specific Places
Climbers
Plants For Shady Places
Buxus sempervirens
Daphne laureola
Daphne pontica
Hemerocallis spp & cvs
Hypericum perforatum
Osmanthus heterophyllus & cvs
Primula vulgaris
Rhododendron spp & hybrids
Sarcococca spp
Plants For Heavy Soils
Abelia triflora
Berberis vulgaris
Choisya ternata
Cytisus spp
Eucalyptus spp
Hamamelis spp
Ligustrum ovalifolia
Mahonia spp
Osmanthus delavayi
Osmanthus suavis
Populus spp
Rhododendron hybrids
Skimmia japonica 'Fragrans'
Tilia spp
Plants For Chalky Soils
Plants For Dry Soils
Alyssum maritimum
Clerodendron spp
Deutzia spp
Genista spp
Hebe cupressoides
Hypericum perforatum
Lonicera spp
Olearia spp
Rosa pimpinellifolia & cvs
Salvia spp
Winter Flowering Scented Plants
Anthriscus cerefoilum
Cydonia japonica
Crocus laevigatus fontenayi
Daphne mezereum
Hamamelis mollis
Iris unguicularis
Mahonia japonica
Ribes laurifolium
Viburnum spp
Plants With Scented Foliage
Achillea millefolium
Althaea officinalis
Anthemis nobilis
Artemisia abrotanum
Artemisia camphorata
Borage officinalis B
Choisya ternata
Cistus ladanifer
Dictamnus albus
Elsholtzia stauntonii
Eucalyptus spp
Helichrysum angustifolium
Humea elegans
Hypericum most spp
Lavandula spp
Melissa officnalis
Monarda didyma
Myrrhis odorata
Origanum spp
Pelargonium 'Clorinda'
Calamitha grandiflora
Pelargonium graveolens
Pelargonium quercifolium
Pelargonium tomentosum
Petroselinum sativum
Populus acuminata
Populus trichocarpa
Rosa eglanteria
Ruta graveolens 'Jackman's Blue'
Santolina incana
Tagetes spp
Teucrium chamaedrys
Thymus spp
Bulbs and Corms
Anthericum liliago Convallaria majalis
Crinum x powellii Crinum moorei
Crocus ancyremsis Crocus chrysanthus
Cyclamenbalearicum Cyclamen purpurascens
Cyclamen persicum Freesia
Galanthus nivalis Galanthus candicans
Hyacinthus orientalis Iris histrioides
Iris florentina Iris pallida
Iris reticulata Iris unguicularis
Lilium auratum Lilium candidum
Lilium henryi Lilium longiflorum
Lilium parryi Lilium regale
Muscari armeniacum Muscari moschatum
Narcissus - Jonquilla Group Narcissus juncifolius
Narcissus - Poeticus Group Narcissus - Tazetta Group
Pancratium illyricum Tulipa sylvestris
Annuals, Biennials and Perennials
Asperula odorata
Centaurea moschata
Dianthus
Heliotropium peruvianum
Lathyrus odoratus
Matthiola bicornis
Nepeta mussinii
Nicotiana
Plox paniculata
Polyanthus
Primula florindae
Reseda odorata Viola odorata
Herbs
Allium Anethum graveolens
Artemesia abrotanum Artemesia camphorata
Anthemis nobilis Asperula odorata
Borage officinalis Chrysanthemum balsamita
Laurus nobilis Lavendula
Melissa officinalis Mentha
Ocimum basilicum Ocimum minimum
Origanum vulgare O. vulgare 'Aureum'
Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia officinalis
Thymus spp
The information given in this Fact Sheet is provided in good faith. It is however of necessity general information and advice on the topic. Howard Drury will not be under any liability in respect of the provision of such advice and information, and you are strongly advised to seek independent advice on any particular gardening problems or queries you may have, preferably from experts who can (when appropriate) inspect the problem before providing advice.
© 2022 This material has been produced by Howard Drury and must not be reproduced in part or full without the written consent of Howard Drury, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B13 0SJ.
JHD/05/02/2022