Scent- sational blooms

Elevate your outdoor spaces with flowers that exude luxurious, irresistible perfume

As the days grow longer and the evenings warm, fragrant plants bring a sense of calm and luxury to the garden. Their aromas linger in the air, transforming verandahs, patios and pathways into tranquil retreats. From tropical climbers to heady shrubs, here are nine beautiful plants that promise to perfume your summer garden.

1. Frangipani (Plumeriaspp.)

Frangipani’s waxy, star-shaped blooms are instantly recognisable, their heady, tropical perfume most intense in warm evenings. Thriving in full sun with well-drained soil, it’s perfect as a specimen tree or planted near patios, pathways and decks where its intoxicating perfume can drift through outdoor living areas. Its striking flowers come in a variety of colours, adding both visual drama and an unforgettable perfume to any garden.

2. Roses (Rosaspp.)

Roses are the ultimate summer garden classic, offering colour, form and fragrance that never goes out of style. Among the most celebrated are hybrid tea roses and David Austin varieties, prized for their large, elegant blooms and intoxicating scent. They thrive in full sun with rich, well-drained soil, benefitting from regular watering, feeding and light pruning to encourage repeat flowering.

3. Lavender (Lavandulaspp.)

For most of Australia, French lavender (Lavandula dentata) is the best choice, thanks to its tolerance of heat and humidity – ideal for warmer climates like Sydney. Spanish lavender (L.stoechas) is another excellent option, with varieties such as ‘Avonview’, thriving in coastal gardens. English lavender (L.angustifolia) prefers cooler, temperate zones where winters are more pronounced.

4. Madagascar jasmine (Stephanotis floribunda)

With clusters of waxy white blooms that release a sweet, jasmine-like scent, this climber is ideal for trailing along pergolas or archways. It thrives in a warm, sheltered spot with full sun to part shade and regular watering. Perfect for courtyards and covered patios, its glossy leaves and elegant fragrance add a touch of romance, especially on balmy evenings.

5. Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora)

For a fresh, zesty lift, the native lemon myrtle is hard to beat. Brush past its glossy leaves to release a strong lemon fragrance, or enjoy its fluffy white blooms in mid summer. Suited to warm climates, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

 

Top Tips

• Plant wisely:

place blooms near patios, paths and doors form aximum aroma.

• Layer plants:

mix climbers, shrubs and low growers for a rich, immersive experience.

• Boost blooms:

feed regularly and provide proper water and sunlight to keep flowers flowering and fragrant.

6. Buddleia (Buddleia daviddii)

Also known as false lilac, this evergreen shrub grows to around 2.5m high and 2m wide, flowering throughout summer– especially with regular deadheading. Its colourful pink, blue and lilac blooms, paired with a sweet honey fragrance, make it an easy-care favourite. Best grown in a sunny or lightly shaded spot, it is drought-hardy and should be pruned back by about half in winter.

7. Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)

Stay up late to see this extraordinary nocturnal cactus in bloom. Shaped likea majestic waterlily, it produces large, white, fragrant flowers that last only one night. Flat, spineless stems trail elegantly, perfect for hanging pots. Place it in filtered light and protect from hot sun, and it will reward you with one of nature’s most spectacular night shows.

8. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)

The classic fragrance of gardenia is creamy, floral and unmistakably tropical. This evergreen shrub loves warmth, humidity and slightly acidic soil, enriched with organic matter. Place it near a window, pathway or entrance where the scent can be enjoyed up close. Ensure it's in a spot with at least six hours of sunlight as insufficient sun causes them to grow spindly and they won't flower.

9. Angels’ trumpet (Brugmansiaspp.)

Large, pendulous trumpets in white, apricot or pink fill the evening air with an intoxicating perfume. Best grown in full sun to part shade, Brugmansia appreciates fertile, well-drained soil and regular feeding through summer. Use it as a statement near an entertaining area where its dramatic flowers can hang at eye level. All parts are toxic, so plant away from pets and children.

"The sweetest gardensare those that smellas good as they look"