Plants for Fragrance

When it comes to adding fragrance to your garden, selecting the right plants can make all the difference. At Thompson's, we’ve curated a selection of top plants that not only beautify your outdoor space but also fill it with delightful scents.

1. Buddleja (Butterfly Bush): Known for its sweet, honey-like fragrance, Buddleja is a must-have for any fragrant garden. This plant produces long, cone-shaped clusters of tiny flowers that attract butterflies and bees. The aroma of Buddleja is strongest on warm, sunny days, making it an ideal plant for summer gardens. Its scent is particularly alluring in the late afternoon and evening, adding a magical ambiance to your garden as the day draws to a close.
2. Lavender: Lavender is synonymous with garden fragrance. Its distinctive, calming scent is often used in aromatherapy for relaxation and stress relief. The silvery-green foliage and purple flower spikes are not only beautiful but also extremely fragrant, releasing their scent throughout the day, especially when touched or brushed against. Lavender thrives in sunny, well-drained locations and is an excellent choice for borders, pathways, and even pots where its soothing scent can be enjoyed up close.
3. Philadelphus (Mock Orange): Philadelphus, commonly known as Mock Orange, is celebrated for its intense, citrusy fragrance that resembles that of orange blossoms. The white, cup-shaped flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, filling the air with their sweet, fresh scent. This plant is a great option for those who want a burst of fragrance during this period, and its flowers are stunning against the plant's dark green foliage. Mock Orange is perfect for borders and can also be trained as a small hedge, adding both beauty and fragrance to your garden.

For those who enjoy garden fragrance but prefer to avoid attracting bees and wasps, certain plants offer the perfect solution. 

• Hostas are an excellent choice, producing large, fragrant flowers, particularly in the evening, without drawing in bees or wasps. 
• Night-blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum) is another plant that releases a powerful scent at night, filling the garden with fragrance without attracting many pollinators. 
• Roses, particularly old-fashioned varieties, are known for their heady scents and can be selected in varieties less attractive to bees due to their flower structure.

To maximize the fragrance in your garden, consider planting a variety of fragrant plants that bloom at different times of the year. Winter Daphne (Daphne odora) can provide fragrance in the colder months, with its sweet, spicy scent that blooms in late winter to early spring. Hyacinths and Lilacs are perfect for spring fragrance, while Gardenias and Tuberoses excel in summer. Autumn Clematis (Clematis paniculata) can offer a sweet scent in the fall. By selecting a range of plants, you can enjoy a fragrant garden year-round.

At Thompson's, we understand the importance of fragrance in creating a garden that appeals to all the senses. Whether you are looking for plants that offer a soothing scent, flowers that bloom at night, or fragrant options that don’t attract bees and wasps, we have something to suit your needs. While our webshop offers a curated selection of these fragrant plants, we encourage you to visit your local branch of Thompson's to explore our full range. Our knowledgeable staff can help you select the perfect plants to fill your garden with delightful scents all year long.