Planting a Fragrant Garden
The list below is a variety of plants that can be grown for their fragrance. They are not all natives to North America, so be careful in your selections. Avoid any that, if not controlled, might become invasive to your garden. As always, native species are preferred, but in the real world, many gardeners plant a few non-natives that are beneficial to butterflies and birds.
JANUARY
Dwarf sweetbox, Sarcococca hookerana
Wintersweet, Chimonanthis praecox
Witch hazel, Hamemelis sp.
Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
FEBRUARY
Winter Daphne, Daphne odora
Star magnolia, Magnolia stellata
Early fragrant daffodils, Narcissus tazetta and N. poeticus
Flowering quince, Chaenomeles speciosa
MARCH
Evergreen clematis, Clematis armandii
Viburnum sp.
Dwarf or creeping gardenia, Gardenia radicans
Native azaleas, Rhododendron sp.
APRIL
American wisteria, Wisteria sp.
Pinks, Dianthus sp.
Pink jasmine, Jasminum polyanthum
White peony, Paeonia sp.
MAY
Gardenia, Gardenia augusta
Lily-of-the-valley, Convallaria majalis
Confederate jasmine, Trachelospermum jasminoides
Fringe tree, Chionanthus virginicus
JUNE
Flowering Gardenia, Gardenia augusta
Fragrant daylily varieties
Antique roses, hybrid tea roses
JULY
Oriental lilies Casa Blanca, Liberia
Abyssinian sword lily, Acidanthera bicolor
Herbs (thyme, basil, mint, oregano)
Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia
AUGUST
Southern magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora
Moonflower, Ipomoea alba
Sweet autumn clematis, Clematis paniculata
Lemon balm, Melissa officinalis
SEPTEMBER
White ginger lily, Hedychium coronarium
Kahili ginger, Hedychium gardnerianum
Autumn sage, Salvia greggii
Pineapple sage, Salvia elegans
OCTOBER
Silver lace vine, Polygonum aubertii
Dwarf or creeping gardenia, Gardenia radicans
Anis shrub, Illicium parviflorum
Gardenia August Beauty
NOVEMBER
Fragrant tea olive, Osmanthus fragrans
Dwarf sweetbox, Sarcococca hookerana
Wax myrtle, Myrica cerifera
Chinese juniper, Juniperus chinensis
DECEMBER
Native Eleagnus spp.
Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
Boxwood, Buxus sempervirens