Gardening Plants & Flowers Flowers

41 Fragrant Flowers to Grow in Your Garden

Fragrant lily flowers with orange and brown-spotted petals

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Scented flowers add a layer of sensory pleasure to the garden, bringing fragrance that evokes memories and herald the coming spring or summer season. When planting flowers for their scent, keep in mind that some flowers are lightly scented and must be appreciated up close, while others engulf the entire yard in their perfume—think of lilacs in spring or a patch of lily of the valley.

If you're ready to add some fragrance to your garden, here are many great options to get you started. Keep in mind that bloom times may vary based on the local climate as well as micro-climates on your property.

Tip

Heirloom flowers make marvelous additions to a scented garden, many of which are best started from seed. These flowers have not been genetically altered, a process that often sacrifices scent, so they retain their naturally fabulous fragrances.

Tips for Planting Fragrant Flowers

If you'd like to include some fragrance in your garden, follow some basic tips for getting the most from your scented flowers:

  • Plant them where you will be able to enjoy their fragrance most frequently—for example, alongside a path, patio, open window, or in a container that is easy to move around.
  • Plant in large clumps for the strongest impact. The scent of flowers will dissipate if they are planted in a wide-open, windy area.
  • Spread fragrant plants throughout the yard so that different scents don't compete with one another.
  • Some plants are most fragrant in the evening. Plant them near your dining or entertaining areas.
  • Look for fragrant groundcovers and lawn alternatives that withstand foot traffic. Plants with fragrant leaves are even more potent when the leaves are crushed underfoot.
  • The fragrance of flowers will change subtly throughout the day and with variations in the weather and growing conditions. You'll need to experiment with fragrant plants to see which grow well for you and which combinations appeal to you. Not everyone appreciates the same scents.
  • Many insects are also attracted to scented plants. The butterflies will be welcome, but keep scented flowers away from children's play areas and away from people who are extremely sensitive to bee stings.

41 Fragrant Flowers

  • 01 of 41

    Angel's Trumpet

    Angel's Trumpet Flowers (Brugmansia spp.)

    Nancy Honey / Getty Images

    Brugmansia is a large, tree-like plant with 8- to 9-inch blooms that dangle upside down and give off a citrus-floral scent that is most pronounced in the evening. ​Bring indoors to overwinter in cooler climates.

    • Name: Angel's trumpet (Brugmansia spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11 (USDA)
    • Flower Colors: White, yellow, orange, pink
    • Mature Size: 6–35 ft. tall, 3–10 ft. wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer
  • 02 of 41

    Anise Hyssop

    Fragrant anise hyssop plant with purple flowers on spikes

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Both the leaves and the small, spiky purple-blue flowers of hyssop have a strong scent of anise. It is a member of the mint family and both the leaves and flowers are edible.

    • Name: Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: Pink, white, blue, purple
    • Mature Size: 2-4 ft. tall, 1-3 ft. wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer
  • 03 of 41

    Butterfly Ginger

    White Garland Lily, White Ginger Lily Hedychium Coronarium in Bloom with Green Leaves
    Angelina Cecchetto / Getty Images

    You may see this plant listed as white ginger lily. Its clear white flowers need the longest days of summer to open and release their honeysuckle-like fragrance.

    • Name: Butterfly ginger (Hedychium coronarium)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White
    • Mature Size: 4-6 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer, fall
  • 04 of 41

    Carnation

    Fragrant carnation flowers with pink and white petals

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    The spicy scent of carnations is one of the most familiar flower fragrances. Make sure you purchase a variety that specifically says it is fragrant, since many hybrids have been bred for larger flowers and longer blooms but have no scent. Note: Not all carnations are perennials.

    • Name: Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White, pink, red
    • Mature Size: 6-24 in. tall, 10-14 in. wide
    • Bloom Season: Spring
    Continue to 5 of 41 below
  • 05 of 41

    Chamomile

    Fragrant chamomile flowers with radiating white petals

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Chamomile has a very pleasant herbal, grassy scent that is similar to the fragrance that wafts up from hot chamomile tea. It is often used in aromatherapy because it has a calming effect when inhaled.

    • Name: Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White
    • Mature Size: 8–24 in. tall, 8–12 in. wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer
  • 06 of 41

    Corsican Mint

    Corsican mint (Mentha requienii)

    Francois De Heel / Getty Images

    There's a definite minty scent from both the leaves and flowers of Corsican mint. It is used as a groundcover, emitting its fragrance as it is crushed underfoot. It is also the flavoring used in crème de menthe liqueur.

    • Name: Corsican mint (Mentha requienii)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: Purple
    • Mature Size: 4 in. tall, 6-12 in. wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer
  • 07 of 41

    Daphne

    Pink Daphne flowers

    Martin Siepmann / Getty Images

    Daphne is a beautiful small shrub with glossy green leaves and flowers that emit a true perfume-quality scent that is a mix of sweet florals and earthy undertones.

    • Name: Daphne (Daphne cneorum)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: Pink
    • Mature Size: 1–5 ft. tall, 2–6 ft. wide 
    • Bloom Season: Spring
  • 08 of 41

    Flowering Quince

    Fragrant flowering quince with pink flowers on branches

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Some people find the scent of flowering quince fruity and sweet, while others find it offensive. Buy yours in bloom, to ensure you like it. Bees and hummingbirds love the flowers.

    • Name: Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White, orange, red, pink
    • Mature Size: 3-10 ft. tall, 3-10 ft. wide
    • Bloom Season: Spring
    Continue to 9 of 41 below
  • 09 of 41

    Flowering Tobacco

    Nicotiana sylvestris

    David Q. Cavagnaro / Getty Images

    Nicotiana is sometimes referred to as jasmine tobacco, because of its intense, sweet scent. Go for the tall Nicotiana sylvestris for a fragrance that will permeate the evening air. Many of the shorter, modern Nicotiana alata have only a faint scent. Nicotiana is usually grown as an annual.

    • Name: Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana alata)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: Yellow, green, white, pink, red
    • Mature Size: 3-5 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer
  • 10 of 41

    Four O'Clocks

    Four o'clocks (Mirabilis jalapa and M. longiflora)

    Anna Yu / Getty Images

    Mirabilis is Latin for wonderful. These annual flowers open in the late afternoon, in response to cooling temperatures. They may stay open all day on overcast days, but their sweet, lemony fragrance is most intense in the evening. They will self-sow.

    • Name: Four o'clocks (Mirabilis jalapa, M. longiflora)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: Pink, red, yellow, white
    • Mature Size: 2–3 ft. tall and wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer
  • 11 of 41

    Fragrant Columbine

    Fragrant Columbine (Aquilegia fragrans)

    peganum / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

    Aquilegia fragrans is slightly different from the more common garden columbines, although they are almost as easy to grow. They have creamy white flowers that give off a lovely honeysuckle-like scent.

    • Name: Fragrant columbine (Aquilegia fragrans)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White
    • Mature Size: 12-18 in. tall, 8-12 in. wide
    • Bloom Season: Spring
  • 12 of 41

    Fragrant Plantain Lily

    Hosta plantaginea flowers

    Paul Seheult / Getty Images

    Unlike so many hosta varieties that are grown simply for their foliage, Hosta plantaginea (and many of its hybrids) has lovely white flowers with a charming floral scent.

    • Name: Hosta (Hosta plantaginea)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White, purple, pink
    • Mature Size: 6–48 in. tall, 10–60 in. wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer
    Continue to 13 of 41 below
  • 13 of 41

    Freesia

    Blossoms of red freesias

    Westend61 / Getty Images

    Freesia is a popular wedding flower, but it is tropical, so you don't often see it in gardens. However, it can also be grown as a houseplant. The tubular flowers have a fresh, fruity, floral scent.

    • Name: Freesia (Freesia spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-10 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: Pink, red, white, yellow, orange, blue, purple
    • Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall, 6-12 in. wide
    • Bloom Season: Spring, summer
  • 14 of 41

    Garden Phlox

    Fragrant garden phlox with purple-pink flower clusters on tall stems

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    The floral scent of garden phlox is almost heady on a warm summer day. The heat intensifies the fragrance. Watch out for modern hybrids that were bred for show, with no scent.

    • Name: Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: Pink, purple, white
    • Mature Size: 2-4 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer
  • 15 of 41

    Gardenia

    Gardenia flowers

    Harley Seaway / Getty Images

    Gardenias are one of the most fragrant flowers; some people find them too strong to be near. These plants are very tender and should be moved indoors for the winter in cold climates.

    • Name: Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White
    • Mature Size: 5-6 ft. tall, 5-6 ft. wide
    • Bloom Season: Spring, summer, fall
  • 16 of 41

    Grape Hyacinth

    Fragrant grape hyacinth with tubular purple-blue flowers on spikes

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Muscari gets its common name from its enticing grape fragrance. If you have a large clump, its smell will waft throughout the yard. These tiny flowers also make nice cut flowers, bringing their bright scent indoors for you to enjoy.

    • Name: Grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: Blue, white, purple, pink, yellow
    • Mature Size: 6–9 in. tall, 3–6 in. wide
    • Bloom Season: Spring
    Continue to 17 of 41 below
  • 17 of 41

    Heliotrope

    Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens)

    Mark Turner / Getty Images

    Heliotrope has a delightful cherry vanilla scent that gives it its colloquial name of "the cherry pie flower." You'll need a good size clump of plants to really get the full effect, but it's worth it. Heliotrope is often grown as an annual in colder climates.

    • Name: Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White, purple
    • Mature Size: 1-4 ft. tall, 6-8 in. wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer
  • 18 of 41

    Jasmine

    Jasmine (Jasmine officinale) flowers

    DEA / Getty Images

    One jasmine plant easily perfumes your entire yard. The beautiful evergreen foliage and star-shaped flowers are simply a bonus of its spicy, sweet scent.

    • Name: Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White
    • Mature Size: 20-30 ft. tall, 7-10 ft, wide
    • Bloom Season: Spring, summer, fall
  • 19 of 41

    Jonquils

    Jonquils Bright Yellow and Orange
    ralphgillen / Getty Images

    Many daffodils have a subtle scent, but for a bigger bang, try a patch of jonquils. They have a strong, astringent scent that sneaks up on you, although, like paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus), not everyone finds it pleasant.

    • Name: Jonquils (Narcissus jonquilla)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: Yellow
    • Mature Size: 8 - 12 in. tall, 5 in. wide
    • Bloom Season: Spring
  • 20 of 41

    Lavender

    Fragrant lavender flowers clustered on thin stems

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Lavender has one of the most beloved scents of any flower. Its musky floral fragrance even permeates your palate when you use lavender in cooking.

    • Name: Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: Purple
    • Mature Size: 2–3 ft. tall, 2–4 ft. wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer
    Continue to 21 of 41 below
  • 21 of 41

    Lilac

    Fragrant lilac flowers with purple flower clusters on branches

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    The sweet, floral fragrance of lilacs announces spring. Get a hint of it as the buds start to swell. Once the flowers open, lilacs are strong enough to perfume the neighborhood.

    • Name: Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7 (USDA
    • Flower Color: Purple, white
    • Mature Size: 8–15 ft. tall, 6–12 ft. wide
    • Bloom Season: Spring
  • 22 of 41

    Lilies

    Fragrant lily flowers with large pink petals

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Lilies have a strong spicy-sweet scent. A bouquet of lilies will perfume the house. Both the cut flowers and the blooms on the plant are long-lasting, and the flowers come in many colors.

    • Name: Lily (Lilium spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-11 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White, yellow, orange, pink, purple, red
    • Mature Size: 2-6 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer
  • 23 of 41

    Lily of the Valley

    Lily of the valley plant with petite, fragrant, white flowers and leaf clumps

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Lily of the valley flowers are popular additions to perfume, with their rich, sweet fragrance. This is a quick-spreading plant, so plant it where you won't mind it traveling, then enjoy the scent throughout your yard.

    • Name: Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White
    • Mature Size: 6–12 in. tall, 9–12 in. wide
    • Bloom Season: Spring
  • 24 of 41

    Magnolia

    Fragrant magnolia branch with large white-pink flowers and buds

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Magnolias have a sweet, strong, honeysuckle scent that quickly evokes memories of the first time you were captivated by it. This is a tender tree, very much associated with the South. In northern climates, look for cultivars especially bred for the local environment.

    • Name: Magnolia (Magnolia spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White, pink, purple, yellow
    • Mature Size: 20-30 ft. tall, 15-20 ft wide
    • Bloom Season: Spring
    Continue to 25 of 41 below
  • 25 of 41

    Mock Orange

    Fragrant mock orange branch with small white flower clusters

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    If you are unfamiliar with mock orange, you might think you are in a citrus grove when it blooms. The scent of the small white flowers truly mimics the scent of oranges.

    • Name: Mock orange (Philadelphus spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White
    • Mature Size: 10–12 ft. tall and wide
    • Bloom Season: Spring
  • 26 of 41

    Moonflower

    Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)

    lowellgordon/Getty Images

    This night bloomer has a surprising scent that is a combination of cinnamon and rose. They take a while to begin flowering, so keep a watch toward the evening at the end of summer. In cooler climates, moonflower is often grown as an annual.

    • Name: Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-12 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White
    • Mature Size: 10–15 ft. tall, 3–6 ft. wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer, fall
  • 27 of 41

    Naked Lady

    Naked Lady (Amaryllis Belladonna)

    Peter Chadwick/Getty Images

    The rather rude common name of Naked Lady was given because the flowers bloom before the leaves appear. The beautiful tubular flowers give off an extremely sweet scent that is often likened to bubble gum.

    • Name: Naked lady (Amaryllis belladonna)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-10 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: Pink, red
    • Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall and wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer, fall
  • 28 of 41

    Night-Blooming Jasmine

    Cestrum nocturnum or Hasna hena of Southeast Asia
    Amawasri / Getty Images

    The scent of night-blooming jasmine wafts in and out of the air, usually catching you when the air is still. Unlike Jasminum officinale, which has a very sweet scent, night-blooming jasmine is often described as more sultry.

    • Name: Night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: Green, white, yellow
    • Mature Size: 6-15 ft. long
    • Bloom Season: Spring, summer
    Continue to 29 of 41 below
  • 29 of 41

    Pennyroyal

    Pennyroyal (Mentha pelegium)

    Valter Jacinto/Getty Images

    Pennyroyal is one of the strongest-smelling members of the mint family. It is an attractive, creeping plant that makes a great ground cover in areas where you will be walking and releasing its fragrance. The flower color ranges from light blue or lavender to reddish-purple.

    • Name: Pennyroyal (Mentha pelegium)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 6–9 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: Purple, blue
    • Mature Size: 6–12 in. tall, 3–6 ft. wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer
  • 30 of 41

    Peony

    Fragrant peony flowers with large pink-red petals

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Peonies would be beautiful enough to grow just for their flowers, but the lush blooms also have a clear, clean scent that is very similar to roses. They are very long-lasting as cut flowers.

    • Name: Peony (Paeonia spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White, purple, pink, red, yellow
    • Mature Size: 2–3 ft. tall and wide
    • Bloom Season: Spring, summer
  • 31 of 41

    Pinks

    Fragrant pinks with frilly pink petals on thin stems

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Although not as strongly-scented as carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus), pinks also have a spicy scent, and they are much more widely adaptable.

    • Name: Pinks (Dianthus plumarius)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White, purple, red. pink
    • Mature Size: 6–36 in. tall, 6–24 in. wide
    • Bloom Season: Spring, summer, fall
  • 32 of 41

    Rose

    Fragrant rose bushes with large pink flowers

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Although not all roses are fragrant, they may be the first flower most people think of when it comes to fragrance. Rose scents range from candy-sweet to exotic and spicy. Popular fragrant rose varieties include 'Double Delight', 'Fourth of July', and 'Midas Touch'.

    • Name: Rose (Rosa spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-11 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White, yellow, orange, red, pink
    • Mature Size: 3-15 ft. tall, 2-10 ft, wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer
    Continue to 33 of 41 below
  • 33 of 41

    Star Jasmine

    Star Jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum)

    Veena Nair/Getty Images

    This evergreen, twining tangle of a vine is not a true jasmine. It smells so much like one that it earned its common name. A well-established plant will be covered with the fragrant blooms.

    • Name: Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–10 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White
    • Mature Size: 3–6 ft. tall, 3–6 ft. wide
    • Bloom Season: Spring, summer
  • 34 of 41

    Stock

    Stock (Matthiola incana)

    Masahiro Nakano/a.collectionRF/Getty Images

    It's hard to believe that stock is a member of the cabbage family. Also known as gillyflower, stock flowers pack an intense clove-like scent in their small flowers.

    • Name: Stock (Matthiola incana)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: Pink, yellow, purple, blue, red, white
    • Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
    • Bloom Season: Spring, summer
  • 35 of 41

    Summersweet

    Summersweet (Clethra)

    MASAHIRO NAKANO/Getty Images

    The spicy scent of Clethra is why some people refer to it as pepper bush. The white panicles of flowers are beautifully offset by glossy, bright green foliage. The late summer scent comes as a pleasant surprise.

    • Name: Summersweet (Clethra spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White, pink
    • Mature Size: 3-8 ft. tall, 4-6 ft. wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer
  • 36 of 41

    Sweet Alyssum

    Fragrant sweet alyssum with tiny white flower clusters

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    The diminutive plant is so covered with flowers, it looks like a carpet. The fragrance is unique with a honey-like quality with a floral finish. Sweet alyssum is a cool-season annual flower for the beginning and end of the summer.

    • Name: Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White, pink, purple
    • Mature Size: 3–10 in. tall, 2–4 in. wide
    • Bloom Season: Spring, fall
    Continue to 37 of 41 below
  • 37 of 41

    Sweet Autumn Clematis

    Fragrant lily of the valley with tiny white flowers and buds

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Sweet autumn clematis is covered with a cloud of small white flowers in the fall. Besides their beauty, the flowers give off a gentle vanilla scent, which really hits you as you walk below the vine. This plant is invasive in some areas.

    • Name: Sweet autumn clematis (Clematis dioscoreifolia)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White
    • Mature Size: 15 to 30 ft. long vine
    • Bloom Season: Fall
  • 38 of 41

    Sweet Pea

    Sweet Pea (Lathyrus spp.)

    Michael Boys/Corbis/VCG /Getty Images

    Sweet peas are cool-season annuals that offer an abundance of cut flowers. Unfortunately, breeders have been focusing on more blooms and less fragrance. Look for old-fashioned varieties that have the spicy scent that sweet peas became known for.

    • Name: Sweet pea (Lathyrus spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: Red, pink, blue, white, purple
    • Mature Size: 6-8 ft. long vine
    • Bloom Season: Spring
  • 39 of 41

    Sweet Woodruff

    Fragrant sweet woodruff with tiny white star-shaped flowers

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Sweet woodruff has a grassy vanilla scent, which is much nicer than it sounds. It is often compared to the scent of newly mown hay. Be warned: The plant will spread.

    • Name: Sweet woodruff (Asperula odorata)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White
    • Mature Size: 6-12 in. tall, 9-18 in. wide
    • Bloom Season: Spring
  • 40 of 41

    Thyme

    Fragrant thyme with tiny purple flowers clustered together

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    You may only think of thyme as a seasoning, but it is also a very ornamental plant and a bee magnet. Thyme is in the mint family, but its scent is more herbal and grassy.

    • Name: Thyme (Thymus serpyllum, T. herba-barona, T. caespititius)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: Pink, white, purple
    • Mature Size: 2-6 in. tall, 6-18 in. wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer
    Continue to 41 of 41 below
  • 41 of 41

    Tuberose

    Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)

    danishkhan/Getty Images

    These flowers have an unusual sweet scent that has been likened to everything from candy to Dr. Pepper soda. The stalks holding the large, white flowers reaches up to five feet in height. In cooler zones, the bulbs can be lifted and stored for winter.

    • Name: Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10 (USDA)
    • Flower Color: White
    • Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall and wide
    • Bloom Season: Summer

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FAQ
  • What is the world's most fragrant flower?

    There are many flowers with very strong fragrances. Based on the most used flowers in perfume-making, the flowers with the strongest fragrance include rose, jasmine, tuberose, frangipani, violet, and lavender.

  • Do fragrant flowers attract bugs?

    Not necessarily and if they do, the bugs that appear on your flowers are by no means always "bad bugs", i.e. pests that you need to combat. Flowers attract pollinators which play a key role in food production. Some flowers repel noxious insects. For example, mums contain pyrethrin, a neurotoxin that repels harmful insects such as mosquitoes and flies.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Pyrethrins. National Pesticide Information Center.