25 Outdoor Plants with Delightful Scents

1. Cape Jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides)

Consider the Cape Jasmine, a large shrub adorned with 3-inch fragrant blossoms. This aromatic beauty thrives in acidic, consistently moist, well-drained soil. While it can tolerate full sun, it flourishes best with afternoon shade in warmer climates. Don’t forget to feed it with fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants during its growing season.

Hardiness Zones: 8 to 11

2. Common Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)

A rapidly growing climbing shrub with fragrant clusters of white flowers, Common Jasmine flourishes in full sun to partial shade. Its delightful scent is detectable from several feet away. This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil. Be sure to trim older shoots after flowering to encourage fresh growth and new blooms.

Hardiness Zones: 7 to 10

3. Frangipani (Plumeria sp.)

A stunning small tree with fragrant flowers famously used to create the traditional Hawaiian lei, the frangipani thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring deep but infrequent watering. It benefits from a fertilizer rich in phosphorus.

Hardiness Zones: 10 to 12

4. Ylang Ylang Tree (Cananga odorata)

A medium to large, fast-growing tree, the Ylang Ylang tree produces highly fragrant blooms and is a key component in the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume. This tree thrives in full sun with rich, well-moisturized soil. Remember to fertilize it every three to four months.

Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11

5. Butterfly Ginger Lily (Hedychium coronarium)

The perennial white butterfly ginger lily offers a captivating, spicy fragrance. This upright, rhizomatous plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires consistently moist to wet soil rich in organic matter.

Hardiness Zones: 7 to 11

6. Orange Jessamine (Murraya paniculata)

The orange jessamine is a versatile plant that can be shaped into a small tree or neatly clipped hedge. It thrives best in morning sunlight and afternoon shade, preferring well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Regular application of balanced fertilizer throughout the year will also help it flourish.

Hardiness Zones: 10 to 12

7. Night Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)

As the name suggests, the night blooming jasmine releases its intoxicating fragrance only at night. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, preferring rich, well-drained soil. Regular watering and balanced fertilization throughout the year are key to its care. Annual pruning helps to keep the foliage under control.

Zones:

8. Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)

Hyacinths not only offer a delightful and intense fragrance, but these perennial plants come in vibrant shades of blue, pink, red, purple, or white and are relatively easy to grow. Plant them in the fall, either directly in the ground or in containers. Just ensure that children and pets don't ingest them, as the bulbs are toxic. They flourish with six to eight hours of sunlight each day.

Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8

9. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)

Gardenias are tropical plants with striking white flowers that require extra care but reward you with a rich, citrusy fragrance. They thrive in warm climates and prefer partial shade and soil with a slightly acidic pH. These high-maintenance plants need about one inch of water each week, so be sure to water them if rainfall is insufficient.

Hardiness Zones: 8 - 11

10. Dianthus (Dianthus caryophyllus)

This plant, also known as Sweet William, produces vibrant pink (sometimes white or red) flowers with a spicy aroma reminiscent of cloves and cinnamon. It thrives in alkaline soil and requires at least six hours of full sun each day. Be sure to water it when the soil dries out and apply fertilizer every two months.

Zones: 6 to 9

11. Flowering Tobacco (Nicotianas)

The star-shaped flowers of nicotianas are highly fragrant, but they don’t smell like tobacco. Instead, their scent resembles that of jasmine. They bloom in various colors and flourish in full sun with rich soil. The fragrance is most potent in the evening and at night.

Zones: 10 and 11

12. Peonies (Paeonia lactiflora)

Peonies exude a sweet fragrance that brings to mind the scent of roses. These plants thrive under full sun, blooming from late spring into early summer, as long as they receive about one inch of water weekly. However, patience is key—peonies generally don’t bloom in their first year, but will start flowering by the second spring after planting.

Zones: 3 - 8

13. Lilacs (Syringa L.)

Lilacs are fragrant shrubs that give off a sweet, vanilla-like aroma. Although they are commonly purple, they can also bloom in shades of pink or white. For optimal growth, they require at least six hours of direct sunlight and well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil. Water them whenever the soil feels dry, and fertilize once during the winter months.

Zones: 3 -8

14. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

Lily of the Valley flowers emit a fresh, crisp fragrance reminiscent of spring, which is why they are often featured in perfumes. These small, usually white blooms (sometimes pink) thrive in both full and partial shade. They prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil for optimal growth.

Zones: 3 - 9

15. Phlox (P. paniculata)

Phlox flowers emit a sweet, nutty fragrance and are available in a wide range of colors including pink, white, purple, and blue. Tall varieties of phlox prefer full sunlight, while others grow better in partial shade. These flowers require regular watering, balanced fertilization, and soil rich in nutrients.

Zones: 4 - 8

16. Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is renowned for its vibrant red hue and delightful fragrance, making it a symbol of summer. The flowers draw in hummingbirds and butterflies, adding joy to your garden. Available in red or sometimes white, honeysuckle is a low-maintenance plant. Consider planting it on trellises or fences to enhance your garden's beauty and enjoy its enchanting scent.

Zones: 4 to 10

17. Magnolia

Magnolia flowers release a sweet, citrusy fragrance. These blossoms come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, purple, and yellow, with differing shapes and sizes. To ensure they thrive, plant them in an area of your garden that enjoys full sun or light shade.

Zones: 4 to 9

18. Daphne

The daphne flower offers a delightful mix of floral, citrus, and sweet fragrances. It blooms in stunning shades of pink, lavender, and white. For optimal care, plant daphne in moist soil and place it in a location with partial shade or full sun.

Zones: 7 to 9

19. Sweet Pea

Sweet pea flowers emit a delightful fragrance, combining the scents of orange blossoms and a hint of rose. In addition to their lovely aroma, they bloom in an array of vibrant colors. To ensure they thrive, plant them in full sunlight with well-drained soil.

Zones: 3 to 8

20. Freesia

The freesia flower, often featured in wedding bouquets, is known for its vibrant multi-colored blossoms and sweet fruity fragrance. These cheerful flowers come in a wide range of hues, including red, yellow, pink, purple, and orange. To maintain their health, plant them in full sunlight with well-drained soil.

Zones: 9 and 10

21. Alyssum

If you're drawn to a sweet, honey-like fragrance, alyssum is an excellent choice. Known for its honey scent, this flower not only attracts pollinators but also brings in butterflies and songbirds. Alyssum thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.

Zones: 5 to 9

22. Butterfly Bush

The butterfly bush is renowned for its sweet, honey-like fragrance that attracts a variety of pollinators. It blooms in shades of purple and burgundy. To ensure healthy growth, butterfly bushes prefer moist, well-drained soil and thrive when planted in partial to full sun.

Zones: 6 to 9

23. Moonflower

The moonflower, in its captivating lavender hue, releases a sweet fragrance with hints of jasmine and vanilla. This low-maintenance flower is easy to care for, requiring only regular watering and occasional feeding.

Zones: 10 to 12

24. Roses

Rose flowers exude a delightful fruity and floral fragrance, perfectly matched with their vibrant colors. These timeless blooms are a stunning addition to any garden, offering a wide array of hues, from golden to pink and beyond.

Zones: 5 to 11

25. Heliotrope

Heliotrope flowers bring a delightful sweet, floral fragrance to your garden. They are available in various colors like purple, blue, and white. To maintain these plants, grow them outdoors in moist, well-drained soil and ensure they receive full sunlight.

Zones: 3 to 10