If you love fresh flowers but aren’t satisfied with the scent of store-bought bouquets, you’re not alone. Many people find that those floral arrangements don’t quite capture the rich, natural fragrances they want in their homes.
You can grow perennials that fill your garden and space with scents even better than what you buy at the store. These plants come back year after year, giving you lasting fragrance without having to pick up another bouquet.
Oriental Lilies
If you want a flower that smells amazing, oriental lilies are a great choice. Their fragrance is stronger and sweeter than most store-bought bouquets.
You’ll find varieties like the Stargazer, which offers large, colorful blooms with a noticeable scent. They’re easy to grow and will fill your garden with a lovely aroma during blooming season. Check out Stargazer Oriental Lilies if you want to try them yourself.
Peonies
If you want a flower that smells lovely but isn’t overpowering, peonies are a great choice. Their scent can range from light and citrusy to sweet and spicy, so there’s a bit of variety depending on the type you pick.
Peonies bloom once a year, but when they do, they fill your garden with a gentle fragrance that beats many store-bought bouquets. Just remember to remove spent flowers to keep your plant healthy. You can see more about their scent and care here.
English Lavender
If you want a plant that smells great all season, English lavender is a solid choice. Its flowers give off a clean, calming scent that lasts even after drying.
You can use it to create a fragrant hedge or just enjoy the sweet smell in your garden. It’s perfect if you like that classic lavender aroma without any fuss.
Gardenia
If you want a perennial with a strong, sweet scent, gardenias are a great pick. You’ll find their fragrance often described as a mix of coconut and vanilla, which feels fresh without being overwhelming.
These flowers bloom in warm months and can brighten your garden while filling the air with a lovely smell. For more on gardenias, you can check out this Gardenia Perennials collection.
Lilacs
If you want a classic spring scent, lilacs are a great pick. Their purple or white blooms give off a fresh, sweet fragrance that fills your garden.
Lilacs are easy to grow and can quickly become a favorite spot for you to enjoy their natural aroma. You can find various types that suit different garden styles and spaces. Explore different lilac varieties to find the perfect one for your outdoor space.
Hyacinths
If you want a sweet, fresh scent in your garden, hyacinths are a great pick. They bloom in mid-spring and fill the air with a noticeable fragrance that lasts for a few weeks.
You can plant them in well-drained soil during the fall. They do best in full sun but can handle some shade. Check out fragrant hyacinth varieties to find one that suits your garden style.
Honeysuckle
If you want a sweet, natural fragrance in your garden, honeysuckle is a solid choice. It’s a fast-growing vine that fills the air with a pleasant, subtle scent.
You’ll find several varieties, including Dutch honeysuckle, that smell especially nice. It’s perfect for trellises or fences where you want to add both scent and greenery.
Honeysuckle’s scent is gentle but noticeable, making your outdoor space feel fresh without being overwhelming. You can learn more about its varieties and scent here.
Phlox Paniculata
If you want a flower that smells great and looks impressive, phlox paniculata is a solid pick. You’ll notice its tall stems topped with big clusters of colorful blooms.
These perennials bring a sweet, gentle fragrance to your garden. They bloom all summer, helping your outdoor space smell fresh longer. Check out more about phlox paniculata here.
Dianthus (Scent First Series™)
If you want a plant that adds both color and fragrance, Dianthus from the Scent First™ series is a great pick. You’ll notice a spicy, clove-like scent that lingers nicely in your garden.
These perennials are easy to grow and keep blooming for a long time. They make your outdoor space smell fresh without the need for store-bought bouquets. You can find these plants at Romence Gardens.
Butterfly Bush
If you want a plant that smells sweet and attracts butterflies, the Butterfly Bush is a solid choice. It produces long, fragrant flower spikes that brighten up your garden.
Keep in mind, some types spread quickly, so picking a non-invasive variety helps keep your garden under control. You can find good options with fragrance if you look for newer cultivars like these.
Catmint
If you want a plant that smells fresh and lasts long, catmint is a good choice. Its soft, fragrant leaves add a gentle scent to your garden without being overpowering.
You’ll also like that catmint blooms for months and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. It’s easy to grow and resistant to deer, so your garden stays looking great. Check out more details about growing Walker’s Low Catmint.
Summersweet
If you want a perennial that smells great and attracts pollinators, summersweet is a solid pick. It has sweet, spicy blooms that fill the air in mid to late summer.
You’ll find it easy to grow in most garden soils. Plus, it handles shade better than many fragrant plants, making it a versatile addition to your yard. More details on its scent and care can be found on Best Fragrant Perennials for the Northeastern United States.