
Using Fragrant Plants in the Landscape
By Kerry Ann Mendez
Breathe deeply. Ahhhhhh. The heavenly fragrance of fresh and fragrant plants is better than any scented candle. All I need to do is say �lilac� and you can smell the word. Of all the five senses, smell has the greatest impact on memory. Why not take advantage of this mood-enhancing reality and plant sweet smelling plants around your home?
Here are some design tips for creating your own fragrance outlet:
- Don't place a lot of strong smelling flowers � that bloom at the same time - in close proximity. The combined aroma might be overwhelming.
- To intensify and capture sweet smells, place plants so they're not exposed to wind.
- Incorporate early, mid and late blooming "scenters" for nonstop fragrance. For example: Hyacinth, Peony, Phlox and Sweet Autumn Clematis.
- Use containers packed with fragrant blooms on patios, decks, near entranceways, along pathways and other high traffic areas.
Below are a few fragrant selections that I recommend. We will carry all of these beautiful, sweet-smelling winners this season at Estabrook's.
Shrubs
- Lilac (Syringa)
- Korean Spice Bush (Viburnum carlesii)
- Mock Orange (Philadelphus)
- Daphne 'Carol Mackie'
- Summersweet (Clethra)
- David Austin roses, Rugosa roses, and more
Perennials
- Lavender
- Actaea (formerly Cimicifuga)
- Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
- Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata)
- Peony � especially 'Sarah Berhardt', 'Festiva Maxima' and 'Monsieur Jules Elie'
- Sweet Autumn Clematis
- Hosta with fragrant flowers: 'Guacamole', 'So Sweet', 'Stained Glass'