Flower Scents For Gardeners

Heavy group
Strong long lasting often white flowers - Lilium candidum, Lilac syringia, Lily of valley convallaria majalis, Pheasants eye narcissus, tuber rose.

Aromatic group
Pleasant fragrance spicy like clove and cinnamon from families like Dianthus, and Peonies. Other scents within this group include aniseed (Primroses), vanilla (witch hazel) and almond fragrance Try Choisa ternate,Viburnum carlesii & Hyacinth especially Bluebells

Violet group
Violets are reputed to tire the senses. The white violet is the strongest Viola, also try Iris reticulate, Acacia and Mignonette

Rose group
Light truly sweet fruity fragrance that is refreshing even when concentrated. Also present in rose leaved geranium Pelargonium capitatum

Lemon group
Refreshing and tangy more often found in leaves than flowers. Rose bracteata and Water lily nymphaea odorata.

Fruit scented group
All fruit except lemon including Philadelphus mock orange cytisus battandieri (pineapple) and Freesia

Animal scented group
Musk or animal scent which get more pungent after pollination. Hypericum, Fritillaria imperialis and Moss roses

Honey scented group
Related to animal scented group with delicate musky sweet fragrance like Honeysuckle, Buddleja, Jasmine officinale and Sedum spectabile.

Gardeners want to attract all of the senses but it is advisable to limit the variety of aromas available in any one particular area of the garden. Strong heavy scents can mask out the lighter scents so try to put like scents in groups.

It is also wise to consider when plants will be at the strongest. Flowers pollinated by moths will smell at dusk or in the evening whilst bee pollinators will be best in the sun.