Imagine walking through a garden in the UK, surrounded by a delightful symphony of scents that instantly uplift your spirits. If you’re a plant lover, this is a scenario that undoubtedly makes your heart skip a beat. But with so many options available, how do you know which plants are the crème de la crème when it comes to fragrance? Well, fear not, because in this article, we’re going to unveil the top fragrant plants for UK gardens, so you can create your very own aromatic paradise. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of enchanting flora that will awaken your senses and leave you longing for more.
Roses
Roses are one of the most beloved and classic flowers in the world, and it’s no wonder why. Their enchanting scent and beautiful blooms make them a favorite in gardens all over the UK. There are several different types of roses to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics and fragrances.
English Roses
English roses, also known as David Austin roses, are renowned for their strong fragrance and stunning beauty. These roses are a hybrid between old-fashioned roses and modern hybrids, resulting in a perfect blend of classic charm and repeat-flowering capabilities. They come in a variety of colors, from soft pinks and peaches to deep purples and reds. The fragrance of English roses is often described as a combination of myrrh, sweet almond, and honey. With their large, full blooms and intoxicating scent, these roses are sure to be a highlight in any garden.
Climbing Roses
Climbing roses are an excellent choice for those looking to add vertical interest to their garden. As the name suggests, these roses have long, flexible canes that can be trained to climb up walls, fences, or trellises. Not only do they provide a stunning display of blossoms, but they also fill the air with a delightful fragrance. Climbing roses come in a range of colors and scents, from the classic musky aroma of the ‘New Dawn’ rose to the spicy fragrance of the ‘Zephirine Drouhin’. Whether you choose a traditional rose or a modern hybrid, climbing roses are sure to add charm and elegance to your garden.
Old-fashioned Roses
For those who appreciate the nostalgia and romance of old-fashioned gardens, old-fashioned roses are the perfect choice. These roses have a timeless beauty and a fragrance that takes you back in time. Their blooms can vary in size and shape, from delicate clusters of small flowers to full, double blooms. The scent of old-fashioned roses is often described as a combination of fruity, spicy, and musky notes. Many varieties of old-fashioned roses are also highly disease-resistant, making them a low-maintenance option for gardeners. If you want to create a garden with a touch of elegance and history, consider adding some old-fashioned roses to your collection.
Lavender
Lavender is another favorite fragrant plant that is well-suited for UK gardens. Its aromatic blooms and soothing fragrance make it a popular choice for both the garden and home. There are several different varieties of lavender to choose from, each with its own unique scent and characteristics.
English Lavender
English lavender, also known as Lavandula angustifolia, is the most commonly grown type of lavender in the UK. It is known for its compact growth habit and fragrant flowers that bloom in shades of purple, blue, and white. The scent of English lavender is often described as sweet and floral, with hints of camphor and mint. Not only is English lavender a beautiful addition to any garden, but it also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. This makes it a great choice for those looking to create a wildlife-friendly garden.
French Lavender
French lavender, or Lavandula stoechas, is known for its distinctive “bunny ears” flowers and strong fragrance. Unlike English lavender, French lavender prefers a warmer climate and may not be as hardy in colder regions of the UK. The blooms of French lavender come in shades of purple, pink, and white, and their unique shape adds a touch of whimsy to the garden. The scent of French lavender is often described as more herbal and resinous than English lavender, with hints of pine and rosemary. If you live in a milder region and want to add a splash of color and fragrance to your garden, French lavender is an excellent choice.
Spanish Lavender
Spanish lavender, or Lavandula stoechas, is a unique and eye-catching variety that is sure to make a statement in any garden. It is known for its long, showy flower spikes topped with tufts of colorful bracts. The scent of Spanish lavender is similar to French lavender, with a strong, resinous aroma that is both refreshing and calming. This type of lavender is well-suited for UK gardens, as it is more tolerant of colder temperatures than French lavender. Its vibrant blooms and delightful fragrance make it a popular choice for borders, containers, and rock gardens.
Jasmine
Jasmine is a versatile and fragrant plant that is prized for its delicate blooms and intoxicating scent. With their elegant flowers and enchanting fragrance, jasmine plants are a perfect addition to any garden.
Common Jasmine
Common jasmine, also known as Jasminum officinale, is a popular choice for UK gardens due to its hardiness and vigorous growth habit. This deciduous vine produces clusters of small, white, star-shaped flowers that have an intense, sweet fragrance. The scent of common jasmine is often described as warm and exotic, with notes of citrus, almond, and honey. It is a fast-growing plant that can quickly cover fences, trellises, or pergolas, providing both beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space.
Winter Jasmine
Winter jasmine, or Jasminum nudiflorum, is a unique variety that blooms during the winter months when most other plants are dormant. This deciduous shrub produces bright yellow, star-shaped flowers that appear on bare stems, adding a much-needed burst of color to the winter garden. While the flowers of winter jasmine are not as fragrant as other jasmine varieties, they still emit a subtle, sweet scent. Winter jasmine is a great choice for adding interest to walls, slopes, or rock gardens, and its ability to bloom during the colder months makes it a valuable addition to any garden.
Italian Jasmine
Italian jasmine, also known as Jasminum humile, is a charming evergreen shrub with delicate yellow flowers and a delightful fragrance. Unlike common jasmine, Italian jasmine has smaller blooms that are more tubular in shape. The scent of Italian jasmine is often described as rich and intense, with hints of citrus and spice. This compact and versatile shrub is perfect for smaller gardens or as a focal point in containers. Its vibrant blooms and captivating scent make it a must-have for any jasmine lover.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is a classic and fragrant climbing plant that is cherished for its stunning flowers and sweet scent. The UK is home to several different species of honeysuckle, each with its own unique fragrance and characteristics.
Japanese Honeysuckle
Japanese honeysuckle, or Lonicera japonica, is a vigorous and highly fragrant vine that is well-suited for UK gardens. It produces clusters of tubular, white or yellow flowers that turn a creamy color as they age. The scent of Japanese honeysuckle is sweet and honey-like, with hints of citrus and vanilla. This fast-growing vine is an excellent choice for covering walls, fences, or trellises, and its nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Woodbine Honeysuckle
Woodbine honeysuckle, also known as Lonicera periclymenum, is a native honeysuckle species that is prized for its beautiful flowers and delightful fragrance. It produces clusters of tubular, pink or white flowers that fade to a creamy color as they age. The scent of woodbine honeysuckle is often described as sweet and spicy, with notes of vanilla and spice. This climbing vine is a favorite among gardeners due to its attractive blooms and its ability to attract butterflies and bees.
Goldflame Honeysuckle
Goldflame honeysuckle, or Lonicera x heckrottii ‘Goldflame,’ is a stunning cultivar that is known for its vibrant colors and lovely fragrance. It produces clusters of tubular, pink and orange flowers that fade to yellow as they age. The scent of goldflame honeysuckle is sweet and fruity, with hints of citrus and honey. This compact and vigorous vine is a great choice for trellises, fences, or containers, and its showy blooms and enticing fragrance make it a standout in any garden.
Lily
Lilies are elegant and fragrant flowers that are adored by gardeners for their bold colors and captivating scents. There are several types of lilies to choose from, each with its own unique fragrance and characteristics.
Oriental Lily
Oriental lilies are known for their large blooms, exotic appearance, and intoxicating fragrance. These lilies come in a wide range of colors, including shades of pink, white, and yellow. The scent of oriental lilies is rich and spicy, with notes of cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla. With their showy flowers and captivating fragrance, oriental lilies are a popular choice for cut flower arrangements and garden borders.
Asiatic Lily
Asiatic lilies are a favorite among gardeners due to their vibrant colors and ease of cultivation. These lilies come in a rainbow of hues, from soft pastels to bright oranges and reds. While they are known for their lack of fragrance, some newer varieties of Asiatic lilies have been bred to have a light, sweet scent. Asiatic lilies are highly versatile and can be planted in borders, containers, or flower beds, adding a splash of color and elegance to any garden.
Trumpet Lily
Trumpet lilies, also known as Aurelian lilies, are known for their large, trumpet-shaped blooms and intoxicating fragrance. These lilies often have a unique fragrance that is similar to a combination of lilies, freesia, and gardenia. They come in a variety of colors, including shades of white, yellow, and orange. Trumpet lilies are tall and imposing plants that make a statement in any garden. Plant them in the back of borders or along fences to create a dramatic display of color and fragrance.
Wisteria
Wisteria is a breathtakingly beautiful and fragrant vine that is prized for its cascading clusters of flowers. With their graceful blooms and enchanting fragrance, wisteria vines are a stunning addition to any garden.
Chinese Wisteria
Chinese wisteria, or Wisteria sinensis, is the most commonly grown wisteria species in the UK. It is known for its abundant clusters of fragrant, lilac or purple flowers that hang gracefully from its vine. The scent of Chinese wisteria is sweet and delicate, with notes of lavender and honey. It is a fast-growing vine that can reach impressive heights, making it perfect for covering walls, pergolas, or arbors. Chinese wisteria is a showstopper when in bloom, filling the air with its intoxicating fragrance.
Japanese Wisteria
Japanese wisteria, or Wisteria floribunda, is another popular choice for UK gardens. It produces long, drooping clusters of fragrant, lilac or pink flowers that are prized for their beauty and fragrance. The scent of Japanese wisteria is similar to Chinese wisteria, with a sweet and delicate aroma that fills the air. This vine is slightly less vigorous than Chinese wisteria and is suitable for smaller gardens or as a focal point in containers. Japanese wisteria is sure to add a touch of elegance and romance to any outdoor space.
American Wisteria
American wisteria, or Wisteria frutescens, is a native wisteria species that is well-suited for UK gardens. It produces cascading clusters of fragrant, lavender or blue flowers that are smaller and more compact than those of Chinese or Japanese wisteria. The scent of American wisteria is sweet and delicate, with hints of grape and honey. This vine is more restrained in its growth habit, making it a great choice for smaller gardens or containers. American wisteria is a beautiful and less invasive alternative to its Asian counterparts.
Gardenia
Gardenias are beloved for their luxurious blooms and captivating scent. These evergreen shrubs are highly prized for their ability to fill the air with their intoxicating fragrance and add a touch of elegance to any garden.
Cape Jasmine
Cape jasmine, or Gardenia jasminoides, is a classic gardenia variety that is known for its large, pure white flowers and intoxicating scent. The fragrance of cape jasmine is rich and sweet, with notes of jasmine, tuberose, and orange blossom. This evergreen shrub is a popular choice for borders or as a focal point in containers, and its glossy, dark green leaves provide a lush backdrop for the stunning white blooms. Cape jasmine is a true garden beauty that is sure to impress.
Chuck Hayes Gardenia
Chuck Hayes gardenia, or Gardenia jasminoides ‘Chuck Hayes,’ is a compact and cold-hardy variety that is well-suited for UK gardens. It produces beautiful, double white flowers that have a strong and sweet fragrance. The scent of Chuck Hayes gardenia is similar to cape jasmine, with notes of jasmine, gardenia, and citrus. This evergreen shrub is a great choice for borders, hedges, or containers, and its ability to withstand colder temperatures makes it a valuable addition to any garden.
Klein’s Hardy Gardenia
Klein’s hardy gardenia, or Gardenia jasminoides ‘Kleim’s Hardy,’ is a dwarf variety that is prized for its cold tolerance and fragrant blooms. It produces white, single or semi-double flowers that have a sweet and citrusy scent. The fragrance of Klein’s hardy gardenia is similar to other gardenia varieties, with notes of jasmine and tuberose. This compact shrub is perfect for small gardens, containers, or as a ground cover. Despite its smaller size, Klein’s hardy gardenia still packs a fragrant punch.
Sweet Pea
Sweet peas are delicate and fragrant flowers that are cherished for their charming blooms and sweet scent. With their cheerful colors and delightful fragrance, sweet peas are a must-have for any garden.
Spencer Sweet Pea
Spencer sweet peas are a popular choice for those looking to add a splash of color and fragrance to their garden. These sweet peas produce large, ruffled blooms in a range of vibrant colors, including shades of pink, purple, and white. The scent of Spencer sweet peas is sweet and floral, with hints of honey and orange blossom. It is a climbing vine that can reach impressive heights, making it perfect for trellises, fences, or obelisks. Spencer sweet peas are a classic and beloved flower that is sure to brighten up any garden.
Old-fashioned Sweet Pea
Old-fashioned sweet peas, also known as grandiflora sweet peas, have a nostalgic charm that is hard to resist. These sweet peas produce smaller, single or double blooms in a variety of pastel colors, including shades of pink, blue, and lavender. The scent of old-fashioned sweet peas is delicate and sweet, with notes of honey and lilac. It is a climbing vine that requires support to reach its full potential. Old-fashioned sweet peas are a timeless favorite that are sure to evoke memories of traditional cottage gardens.
Winter Sunshine Sweet Pea
Winter sunshine sweet peas, or Lathyrus odoratus ‘Winter Sunshine,’ are a unique variety that blooms during the colder months when most other plants are dormant. These sweet peas produce clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. The scent of winter sunshine sweet peas is sweet and delicate, with notes of honey and jasmine. It is a compact and bushy variety that is perfect for containers, borders, or hanging baskets. Winter sunshine sweet peas are a welcome burst of color and fragrance during the winter months.
Mock Orange
Mock orange is a versatile and fragrant shrub that is cherished for its beautiful blooms and intoxicating scent. With their showy flowers and enchanting fragrance, mock orange plants are a delightful addition to any garden.
Philadelphus Virginal
Philadelphus virginal, also known as mock orange ‘Virginal,’ is a popular variety that is prized for its abundant clusters of pure white, fragrant flowers. The scent of Philadelphus virginal is sweet and citrusy, with notes of orange blossom and honey. This deciduous shrub is a fast-grower and has an arching growth habit, making it perfect for providing privacy or creating a focal point in the garden. Philadelphus virginal is a classic and elegant choice that is sure to impress.
Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’
Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’ is a compact and highly fragrant mock orange variety that is well-suited for smaller gardens or containers. It produces clusters of white, star-shaped flowers that have a strong and sweet fragrance. The scent of Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’ is similar to other mock orange varieties, with notes of orange blossom and jasmine. This deciduous shrub is a great choice for borders, hedges, or as a focal point in containers. Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’ is a beautiful and fragrant addition to any garden.
Philadelphus ‘Minnesota Snowflake’
Philadelphus ‘Minnesota Snowflake’ is a striking mock orange variety that is prized for its large, double white flowers and strong fragrance. The scent of Philadelphus ‘Minnesota Snowflake’ is sweet and citrusy, with notes of orange blossom and honey. This deciduous shrub has an upright growth habit and is perfect for adding vertical interest to the garden. It is a low-maintenance plant that is highly adaptable and tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions. Philadelphus ‘Minnesota Snowflake’ is a stunning and fragrant addition to any landscape.
Hyacinth
Hyacinths are beloved for their vibrant colors and intoxicating scent. These spring-blooming bulbs are highly prized for their ability to fill the air with their delightful fragrance and add a burst of color to the garden.
Pink Hyacinth
Pink hyacinths are a delightful choice for those looking to add a touch of romance and elegance to their garden. These spring-blooming bulbs produce dense spikes of tightly packed, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, from soft pastels to vibrant magentas. The scent of pink hyacinths is sweet and floral, with notes of rose and lilac. Plant them in borders, containers, or flower beds to create a stunning display of color and fragrance.
Blue Hyacinth
Blue hyacinths are a classic and beloved choice for spring gardens. These bulbs produce tall spikes of tightly clustered, fragrant flowers in shades of blue, from sky blue to deep indigo. The scent of blue hyacinths is sweet and musky, with notes of lavender and honey. Their vibrant blooms and captivating fragrance make them a standout in any garden, whether planted in borders, containers, or massed in flower beds.
White Hyacinth
White hyacinths are a timeless and elegant choice for gardens of all styles. These bulbs produce compact spikes of fragrant, white flowers that have a strong and sweet fragrance. The scent of white hyacinths is often described as sweet and honey-like, with hints of vanilla and jasmine. Plant them in borders, containers, or along pathways to create a serene and fragrant atmosphere. White hyacinths are a classic and sophisticated addition to any garden.
In conclusion, the UK is blessed with a vast array of fragrant plants that can transform any garden into a sensory paradise. From the timeless beauty of roses and lavender to the delicate charm of jasmine and sweet pea, there is a fragrant plant to suit every taste and style. Whether you choose to create a garden filled with the romantic scent of old-fashioned roses or the exotic aroma of oriental lilies, these fragrant plants are sure to add a touch of magic and enchantment to your outdoor space. So, go ahead and fill your garden with these delightful fragrances and create a haven of scent and beauty for yourself and others to enjoy.
