There’s nothing like a touch of natural and subtle fragrance in the air to lift your spirits and transport your mind to a peaceful paradise, and that’s why we simply can’t get enough of these 11 fragrant shrubs. Try them for yourself and you’ll fall in love with their heavenly scent!
Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica) is an evergreen shrub that produces chains of small flowers. But be careful, it can cause seizures and temporary blindness if consumed by animals or people. Even so, is sometimes grown in the foundation portion of gardens along with other shrubs.
Winter daphne, or Daphne odora, is an evergreen shrub grown for its strongly fragrant flowers. This shrub is toxic to humans and animals. Winter daphne grows 3-4 ft (0.9-1.2 m) tall and is susceptible to root rot from soggy soil.
Fragrant pink buds that turn to white blooms are the hallmark of the Koreanspice viburnum, a member of the elderberry family. Also known as the Viburnum carlesii, this deciduous shrub is hardy in grow zones four through seven. Essentially rabbit proof, the Koreanspice viburnum is attractive to butterflies and caterpillars and produces beautiful fall foliage. Only female bushes will produce berries.
This shrub is known for its hardiness, surviving in many climate zones and poor soil conditions. They produce large flowers from summer to winter and their hips attract birds (and are tasty to humans too!). With such beautiful flowers one might be surprised to hear that the Rugosa rose is considered an invasive species in some regions.
Philadelphus coronarius, commonly known as Sweet mock-orange, is a popular ornamental plant known for the lavish, sweet smell of its gentle flowers. Sweet mock-orange is a deciduous, dense shrub commonly found in Mediterranean woodlands and scrubs.
The common lilac is a sweet-smelling flowering plant with cloudy purple leaves. The scent is so popular that it has found its way into body-care products of all types. It is a member of the olive family. The common lilac can be found around the world today, but it is native to the Balkan Peninsula and thrives in rocky environments.
Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is an evergreen ornamental shrub or small tree with dark, glossy leaves and numerous clusters of white flowers. It blooms in late spring, and the unpleasant scent of the flowers is sometimes derided. Japanese privet is considered an invasive species in certain parts of North America.
Lonicera fragrantissima, or Winter honeysuckle, is a large deciduous bush with a delightful, strong fragrance. The nectar in the creamy white flowers attracts many bees, but the fruit of the Winter honeysuckle is toxic.
Arabian jasminehas much significance in many countries around the world. It is the national flower of both the Philippines and Indonesia. It is regularly used in ceremonial costumes and decorations in Sri Lanka, while in China it is the key ingredient in Jasmine tea. Hawaiians use Arabian jasmine to make fragrant leis, and in Pakistan, Bangladesh and India it is used in garlands and hair adornments.
Sweet osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans) is a large evergreen flowering shrub. Sweet osmanthus’s small white and orange flowers smell like apricots. This species is also referred to as by the Fragrant Tea Olive.
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.