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Creating fragrant perennial gardens involve selecting plants that not only thrive in the local climate but also provide a delightful sensory experience throughout the growing season.
Think of the scent of blooming lilacs; that sweet, familiar smell immediately springs to your mind, perhaps taking you back to your grandmother's garden. Fragrance is the most powerful of all senses for triggering memories. Here are some thoughts in creating sweet garden memories of your own:
You will want to plant in a sheltered location so the perfume lingers. Usually the warmer the space, the more concentrated the aroma. Many fragrances are often stronger in the evening to attract pollinating night moths. Place plants in the vicinity where you spend time at night.
Take note of the prevailing direction of breezes. Locate your garden upwind.
Remember that low spots in your landscape also capture fragrance.
Site fragrant plants near doorways, entertainment areas, patios, open windows, screened porches, gazebos and pathways.
When selecting sweet-smelling perennials, pick a mix of spring, summer and fall blooming fragrant plants for constant perfume. In general, the lighter the flower color, the stronger the scent (white flowers tend to be the most fragrant, followed by off-white, pink, mauve, yellow and lavender blooms). Be careful not to put too many fragrant perennials close together as stronger scents can overwhelm more delicate ones. Plus, when strong scents mingle, the effect can be overpowering instead of pleasant.
Also remember to include some perennials with fragrant foliage. Their fragrance lasts spring through fall while flowers are only temporary. Some perennials with aromatic leaves (other than culinary herbs) include: Catmint (Nepeta), Lavender, Bee Balm (Monarda), Geranium macrorrhizum and Yarrow (Achillea).
A Few Nose Pleasing Perennials:
Daylilies : White and yellow flowering daylilies are the most fragrant.
Lavender : All lavenders do best in full sun and well drained loose alkaline soil. In clay soils, may benefit from planting in raised beds.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) : Colors range from white, pink, purple, yellow and blue. All are mobbed by butterflies.
Bugbane, Snakeroot (Cimicifuga) : Chocolate-leaved Bugbanes sport luxurious foliage that is complemented by elegant wands of creamy-white. They have to be one of the most fragrant of all perennials.
Woods Phlox (Divaricata) and Garden Phlox (Paniculata) : These varieties are sweet smelling staples of the garden.
Fragrant perennial plant gardens are gardens designed to fill the air with beautiful and enticing scents. They are typically planted with varieties of perennials.
In addition to perennials, fragrant perennial plant gardens can also include annuals, herbs, and even some trees and shrubs. When designing a fragrant garden, it is important to consider the following factors:
With a little planning, you can create a fragrant perennial plant garden that will delight your senses all season long.
There are many benefits to planting fragrant perennial plant gardens, beyond the simple pleasure of enjoying beautiful scents in your outdoor space. Here are some of the key advantages:
Overall, fragrant perennial plant gardens offer a wealth of benefits that go beyond simply adding a pleasant scent to your outdoor space. They can enhance your mood, attract beneficial pollinators, deter pests, require minimal maintenance, provide year-round interest, and even offer culinary and medicinal uses. If you are looking to create a beautiful and functional garden that appeals to all your senses, consider incorporating fragrant perennials into your design.
Choosing the right fragrant perennial plants for your garden involves considering several factors to ensure a successful and enjoyable result. Here are some key steps to guide you:
Additional tips:
By following these steps and carefully considering your individual preferences and garden conditions, you can choose the perfect fragrant perennial plants to create a sensory oasis that delights you year after year.
Even the most beautiful and fragrant perennial plants can encounter problems. Here are some common issues to watch out for:
By understanding these potential problems and taking proactive measures, you can help your fragrant perennial plants thrive and fill your garden with their delightful scents for years to come.
Achillea: Also known as yarrow, achillea has flat clusters of flowers in shades of yellow, pink, red, and white. The leaves are ferny and aromatic.
Allium: Alliums have globe-shaped flower heads that come in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, and white. The flowers have a strong oniony scent.
Artemisia: Artemisia, also known as wormwood, has silvery-gray foliage and small, yellow flowers. The leaves have a strong, somewhat bitter scent.
Buddleia: Buddleia, also known as butterfly bush, has long clusters of fragrant flowers that attract butterflies. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, and white.
Convallaria: Convallaria, also known as lily of the valley, has small, white bell-shaped flowers that have a strong, sweet scent. The plant is poisonous, so be careful if you have children or pets.
Coreopsis: Coreopsis has daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. The flowers have a light, sweet scent.
Dianthus: Dianthus, also known as pinks, has small, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. The flowers have a spicy, clove-like scent.
Dicentra: Dicentra, also known as bleeding heart, has heart-shaped flowers that hang down from the stems. The flowers come in shades of pink and white.
Galium: Galium, also known as sweet woodruff, has small, white flowers that grow in clusters. The plant has a sweet, hay-like scent.
Gaura: Gaura has wand-like spikes of white flowers that bloom all summer long. The flowers have a light, sweet scent.
Hemerocallis: Hemerocallis, also known as daylilies, have large, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors. The flowers bloom for only one day, but the plant produces many flowers over a long season. Some varieties of daylilies have a faint, sweet scent.
Iris: Irises have tall stems with large, showy flowers. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including purple, blue, yellow, and white. Some varieties of irises have a sweet, fragrant scent.
Lavandula: Lavandula, also known as lavender, has silvery-gray foliage and small, purple flowers. The flowers have a strong, sweet scent that is said to be calming and relaxing.
Lupinus: Lupinus, also known as lupines, have tall spikes of colorful flowers. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and yellow. The flowers have a sweet, pea-like scent.
Monarda: Monarda, also known as bee balm, has clusters of brightly colored flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, purple, and white. The flowers have a minty, lemon-scented scent.
Nepeta: Nepeta, also known as catmint, has small, lavender flowers that grow in clusters. The plant has a sweet, minty scent that is said to repel cats.
Paeonia: Paeonia, also known as peonies, have large, showy flowers that come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and yellow. The flowers have a strong, sweet scent.
Papaver: Papaver, also known as poppies, have large, cup-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, pink, and white. The flowers have a light, sweet scent.
Pennisetum: Pennisetum, also known as fountain grass, has tall, feathery plumes that add texture and movement to the garden. The plumes come in a variety of colors, including green, red, and purple. Some varieties of pennisetum have a light, sweet scent.
Perovskia: Also known as Russian sage, Perovskia has airy spikes of lavender-blue flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. The leaves are silvery-green and aromatic, with a sage-like scent. They are drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making them a good choice for low-maintenance gardens.
Phlox: Phlox comes in many varieties, with flower colors ranging from white and pink to purple and red. Many varieties have a sweet, fragrant scent. They are easy to care for and bloom from early summer to fall. Some popular varieties include:
Phlox paniculata: This tall phlox has large clusters of fragrant flowers. It is available in a wide range of colors.
Phlox subulata: This low-growing phlox has creeping stems and small, fragrant flowers. It is a good choice for edging or rock gardens.
Polemonium: Also known as Jacob's ladder, Polemonium has bell-shaped flowers that come in shades of blue, purple, and white. The flowers have a sweet, honey-like scent. They bloom in early summer and are a good choice for attracting pollinators.
Polygonatum: Also known as Solomon's seal, Polygonatum has arching stems with small, white flowers that hang down from the nodes. The flowers have a sweet, lily-of-the-valley-like scent. They bloom in spring and are a good choice for shade gardens.
Thymus: Also known as thyme, Thymus is a low-growing herb with creeping stems and small, purple flowers. The leaves have a strong, aromatic scent that is said to be antiseptic and calming. Thyme is a good choice for edging, rock gardens, and container gardens.
Tiarella: Also known as foamflower, Tiarella has small, white flowers that grow in spikes. The flowers have a sweet, honey-like scent. They bloom in spring and are a good choice for shade gardens.
Viola: Violas, also known as pansies, have small, fragrant flowers that come in a variety of colors. They bloom in early spring and are a good choice for adding color to winter gardens.
These are just a few of the many fragrant perennials from which you can choose. When selecting perennials for your garden, it is important to consider the amount of sunlight, moisture, and soil type that each plant requires. You should also think about the size and color of the flowers, as well as the blooming time. With a little planning, you can create a beautiful and fragrant garden that you will enjoy for many years to come.
Here are some excellent options for fragrant perennial plants that thrive in shady areas:
Additional Options:
Important Considerations:
With these fragrant perennials, you can transform your shady garden into a sensory delight!
Here are some fragrant perennial plants that are known to repel pests, specifically mosquitoes and other insects, making them excellent choices for your Acworth, Georgia garden:
Mosquito Repellent:
General Insect Repellent:
Important Considerations:
By incorporating these fragrant perennials into your landscape, you can create a beautiful and pest-free environment for your outdoor enjoyment.
Remember: While these plants can help repel pests, they may not provide complete protection. Consider additional measures like eliminating standing water and using insect screens for optimal pest control.
Creating a fragrant perennial garden involves selecting plants that not only thrive in the local climate but also provide a delightful sensory experience throughout the growing season. Here are some ideas to inspire your aromatic haven:
Theme-Based Gardens:
Placement & Design Ideas:
Fragrant Perennials:
Additional Tips:
Remember to consider the specific sunlight and soil conditions of your garden when selecting plants. By incorporating these ideas and choosing suitable fragrant perennials, you can create a beautiful and aromatic oasis in your landscape!
Fragrant perennial gardens offer a feast for the senses , transforming outdoor spaces into aromatic havens. By carefully selecting and cultivating fragrant perennials, gardeners in all USDA zones can enjoy the beauty and intoxicating scents of these remarkable plants. This article explores the essential aspects of creating, designing, and cultivating fragrant perennial gardens, providing valuable insights and practical advice for gardeners of all levels.
Fragrant Perennials for Different USDA Zones To make it easier to find plants suitable for your specific zone, here's a table summarizing fragrant perennials for different USDA zones:
|
USDA Zone |
Plant Name |
Description |
Fragrance |
|
2 |
CESKY GOLD® Betula |
Dwarf Birch |
- |
|
2 |
ARCTIC FIRE® Yellow Cornus |
Yellow Twig Dogwood |
- |
|
2 |
American Basswood (Tilia americana) |
Tree |
- |
|
2 |
White Spruce (Picea glauca) |
Tree |
- |
|
2 |
Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) |
Tree |
- |
|
2 |
Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) |
Shrub |
- |
|
2 |
Juniper (Juniperus communis) |
Shrub |
- |
|
2 |
Nanking Cherry (Prunus tomentosa) |
Shrub |
- |
|
2 |
Lady's Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium reginae) |
Perennial |
- |
|
2 |
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) |
Perennial |
- |
|
2 |
Drumstick Primula (Primula denticulata) |
Perennial |
- |
|
2 |
Phlox paniculata |
Perennial |
Sweet |
|
2 |
Peony |
Perennial |
Varies with cultivar |
|
2 |
Summersweet (Clethra anifolia) |
Shrub |
Sweet |
|
2 |
Viburnum |
Shrub |
Varies with species |
|
2 |
Lilac |
Shrub |
Sweet, floral |
|
2 |
Roses |
Shrub |
Varies with cultivar |
|
3 |
Swamp Milkweed |
Perennial |
Vanilla-like |
|
3 |
Sweet Woodruff |
Perennial |
Hay-like |
|
3 |
Achillea millefolium 'Oertel's Rose' |
Yarrow with rose-pink blooms that fade to white |
- |
|
3 |
Meadow Sage |
Perennial |
Varies with cultivar |
|
3 |
Russian Sage |
Perennial |
Varies with cultivar |
|
3 |
Lavender |
Perennial |
Varies with cultivar |
|
4 |
Royal Catchfly (Silene regia) |
Perennial with bright red flowers |
- |
|
4 |
Fire Pink (Silene Virginica) |
Perennial with pink flowers |
- |
|
4 |
Hall's Honeysuckle |
Honeysuckle vine with white flowers |
Jasmine-like |
|
4 |
Fragrant Hostas ('Fragrant Blue', 'Fragrant Gold') |
Hosta cultivars with fragrant flowers |
Varies with cultivar |
|
4 |
Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike' |
Bugbane with dark foliage and fragrant pink flower spikes |
- |
|
4 |
Hyacinthus orientalis (Dutch Hyacinth) |
Spring-blooming bulb with fragrant, bell-shaped flowers |
Sweet, floral |
|
5 |
Russian Sage |
Perennial |
Varies with cultivar |
|
5 |
Siberian Iris |
Perennial |
Varies with cultivar |
|
5 |
Grosso Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso') |
Lavender with a strong fragrance |
Lavender |
|
5 |
Giant Catmint (Nepeta grandiflora) |
Catmint with aromatic foliage |
Minty |
|
5 |
Silver Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum 'Silver') |
Plant with silver-gray foliage |
- |
|
5 |
Clove Pink (Dianthus gratianopolitanus) |
Pink with spicy, clove-scented blooms |
Clove-like |
|
5 |
Chocolate Scented Daisy (Berlandiera lyrata) |
Daisy with chocolate-scented flowers |
Chocolate |
|
6 |
Plantain Lily |
Perennial |
Varies with cultivar |
|
6 |
Purple Lovegrass |
Ornamental grass |
- |
|
6 |
'Scentsation' Honeysuckle Vine (Lonicera) |
Honeysuckle vine with fragrant flowers |
Sweet |
|
6 |
Phenomenal® Lavender (Lavandula) |
Lavender with exceptional fragrance |
Lavender |
|
6 |
Sensational! ® Lavender (Lavandula) |
Lavender with a strong scent |
Lavender |
|
6 |
'Miss Molly' Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) |
Butterfly bush with fragrant flowers |
Sweet |
|
7 |
Night-blooming Jasmine |
Plant with a strong fragrance, especially in the evenings |
Sweet, intense |
|
7 |
Lemon Sprite Rose Bush |
Rose bush with vivid yellow flowers |
Lemony-rose |
|
8 |
Purple Lovegrass |
Ornamental grass |
- |
|
8 |
Scented Cranesbill |
Perennial |
Varies with cultivar |
|
8 |
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) |
Lavender with a distinctive fragrance |
Lavender |
|
8 |
Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans) |
Sage with pineapple-scented foliage |
Pineapple |
|
8 |
Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla) |
Plant with lemon-scented leaves |
Lemon |
|
8 |
Rober's Lemon Rose Scented Geranium (Pelargonium) |
Geranium with a lemon-rose fragrance |
Lemon-rose |
|
8 |
Tangerine Scented Marigold (Tagetes lemmonii) |
Marigold with tangerine-scented foliage |
Tangerine |
|
9 |
Purple Lovegrass |
Ornamental grass |
- |
|
9 |
Sage |
Perennial |
Varies with cultivar |
|
9 |
Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' |
Salvia with bicolor red and white flowers and fragrant foliage |
- |
|
9 |
Chinese Pink (Dianthus chinensis) |
Pink with fragrant blooms in various colors |
Varies with cultivar |
|
9 |
Moonflower |
Vine with large, fragrant white flowers that bloom at night |
Sweet |
|
9 |
Honeysuckle Vine 'Scentsation' |
Honeysuckle vine with fragrant flowers |
Sweet |
|
10 |
Abelia x grandiflora (Glossy Abelia) |
Semi-evergreen shrub with fragrant white flowers |
Sweet |
|
10 |
Cestrum nocturnum (Night-blooming Jessamine) |
Evergreen shrub with intensely fragrant flowers that bloom at night |
Sweet, heady |
|
10 |
Gardenia jasminoides (Gardenia) |
Evergreen shrub with highly fragrant white flowers |
Sweet, classic |
|
10 |
Mirabilis jalapa (Four O'Clocks) |
Plant with fragrant flowers that bloom in the late afternoon and evening |
Varies with cultivar |
|
10 |
Tree Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) |
Shrub with fragrant purple flowers |
Sweet, vanilla-like |
Basic Principles of Garden Design Creating a visually appealing and functional fragrant perennial garden involves understanding the basic principles of garden design. These principles guide the arrangement of plants and other elements to create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing space.
Color Theory for Gardens Color plays a crucial role in garden design, influencing the overall mood and atmosphere. Understanding color theory can help create harmonious and visually appealing combinations:
Plant Selection Choosing the right plants is essential for a successful fragrant perennial garden. Consider the following factors:
Garden Layout Principles The layout of your garden can significantly impact its visual appeal and functionality. Consider these principles when planning your garden layout:
Soil Preparation Proper soil preparation is crucial for the health and vitality of your fragrant perennials. Follow these steps:
Planting Techniques Proper planting techniques ensure that your perennials get off to a good start:
Care and Maintenance Ongoing care and maintenance are essential for keeping your fragrant perennial garden healthy and thriving:
Common Pests and Diseases Fragrant perennials are susceptible to various pests and diseases. Here are some common ones:
Diseases:
Pests:
Control Measures:
Sustainable Gardening Practices Sustainable gardening practices promote environmental stewardship and reduce the impact on natural resources. Here are some key practices:
Creating a Sensory Garden A sensory garden engages all five senses, creating a truly immersive experience. Here's how to create one:
Incorporating Fragrant Perennials into Different Garden Styles Fragrant perennials can be incorporated into various garden styles, enhancing their beauty and appeal:
Creating and cultivating fragrant perennial gardens is a rewarding endeavor that can transform any outdoor space into a sensory paradise. By understanding the basic principles of garden design, selecting the right plants for your USDA zone, and implementing sustainable gardening practices, you can enjoy the beauty and intoxicating scents of these remarkable plants for years to come. Remember to engage all your senses when designing your garden, incorporating elements that stimulate sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound. With careful planning and nurturing, your fragrant perennial garden will become a cherished sanctuary where you can relax, unwind, and connect with nature. With a little planning and effort, anyone can create a fragrant perennial garden that brings joy and beauty to their outdoor space.