During the past century and into the present, plant breeders have done marvelous things to plants of all types. Hardiness, disease resistance, performance... The results have been absolutely amazing. In many cases, plants needed to be improved. Unfortunately, scent was often sacrificed over other plant improvements. Fortunately, plant breeders are starting to recognize that the scent of a plant is an important consideration, too. I am going to list only a few of the plants that I feel are a great jumping-off point in exploring the world of scents. Some are old varieties, some are newcomers, all offer the magic of fragrance. I hope this provides inspiration for you!
Daylilies are not often thought of as carrying fragrance, but two old and still popular varieties for our region includes 'Hyperion', light yellow, growing about 36" tall. 'Lemon Lily' is another old-fashioned form of wild hemerocallis with a pleasing lemon fragrance.
Some perennials to mention, known for good fragrance throughout their numerous varieties are: peonies, true lilies, german bearded iris, and the pungent but pleasant chrysanthemums.
In the annual category, Nicotiana alata is a tall growing flowering tobacco which releases its poweful scent during the evening hours. Moon Flower, a member of the Morning glory family, starts its show in the evening with a strong, sweet fragrance. Old fashioned heliotrope, with its deep blue,light blue, or white flowers, have a wonderful vanilla fragrance. The scented geraniums are well represented. Some varieties are the rose scented geranium, the lemon scented geranium, and the mint scented geranium.
There are many fine flowering shrubs and vines that release wonderful fragrance. Itea virginica, or sweetspire, has sweetly scented blossoms in late spring. Mockorange, particularly the older varieties, are noted for carrying a citrus blossom scent. Who can forget the lilacs? With few exceptions, they are heavenly scented. Autumn flowering clematis adds a wonderful scent at a time of year when fragrance is hard to come by. Honeysuckles such as 'Graham Thomas' and 'Serotina' offer wonderful fragrance with manageable plant habit.
Hybridizers are starting to recognize the importance of fragrance. The David Austin English Roses as well as many new hybrid teas are displaying the classic rose fragrance and intriguing scent blends. Other roses with good fragrance include many of the rosa rugosa hybrids, and the antique, or once blooming roses.
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