Top Ten Aromatic Plants

Anyone who has ever experienced a severe cold knows just how important a sense of smell is for our everyday lives. Without it, we might not be able to tell onion from chocolate. We would be “blind” to the danger of a gas leak or a pot burning on a cooker. We would be devoid of all the olfactory experience emanating from the plants in our parks and gardens, meadows, and forests. Read on to find out which ten plants are especially admired for their beautiful aroma!

10. Philadelphus coronarius (Sweet mock-orange)

Philadelphus coronarius (Sweet mock-orange)

This popular ornamental shrub is praised for its decorative white flowers and strong, but pleasant fragrance. This species has been used as a parent of some of the hybrids, such as Philadelphus × lemoinei. It is a hardy, tolerant plant, happily growing in the sun and in partial shade. The numerous hybrids and varieties available offer a wide choice of sizes and types of flowers.

9. Choysia ternata (Mexican orange blossom) 

Choysia ternata (Mexican orange blossom)

This evergreen, shade-loving small shrub has a very unusual fragrance – both its pure white flowers and its dark green, leathery leaves are scented with a distinctive orange scent! Choysia is a good groundcover plant, especially in partially shady conditions. It can also be planted as a formal or informal hedge. It is drought and pollution-tolerant and requires very little maintenance.

8. Mentha x piperita (Peppermint) 

Mentha x piperita (Peppermint)

This well-known herb is, in fact, a hybrid between watermint (M. aquatica) and spearmint (M. spicata). Its leaves possess the unmistakable fresh, sharp scent due to high menthol content. The oil, leaf, leaf extract, and leaf water are all indispensable in many industries due to their flavoring and fragrance. Its numerous uses include cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical products. Peppermint will grow happily in all moist places, in part shade or full sun.

7. Rosmarinum officinalis (Rosemary) 

Rosmarinum officinalis (Rosemary)

This Mediterranean perennial’s Latin name means “dew of the sea”. This fragrant herb not only has many culinary uses, but is also used as medicine, a food preservative, a stimulant, and even a memory enhancer. Rosemary belongs to the family Lamiaceae, with many other fragrant plants, such as Salvia. Its needle-like evergreen leaves indicate that it feels best in rather dry conditions – it will grow well in a sunny position and light soil.

6. Syringa vulgaris (Common lilac)

Syringa vulgaris (Common lilac)

An old-fashioned, but well-loved shrub, especially popular as a part of natural hedges and green barriers. The flowers appear in spring, usually in May, and can be white, pink, lilac or purple. Some varieties, such as Syringa vulgaris “Sensation” offer bi-colored blooms. The shrub was introduced to Europe from Turkey in 1562.

5. Rhododendron luteum  (Honeysuckle azalea)

Rhododendron luteum (Honeysuckle azalea)

A popular species of hardy azalea, with pretty green leathery leaves and ornamental yellow flowers, which cover the shrub in May. The flowers’ sweet scent is so strong that you are able to smell it before you even see the plant itself. It looks great planted in large groups with other species of Rhododendron, especially in woodlands or in Japanese gardens.

4. Lilium candidum (Madonna lily)

Lilium candidum (Madonna lily)

The strong, distinctive scent of the lily is loved by some and hated by others. This native to the Balkans and West Asia symbolizes purity in Roman Catholic tradition. That is why it is often used as an altar decoration. Its meaning got horribly distorted in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th Century, when it was used as a symbol for pro-slavery movements. Despite this, the lily’s white, large flowers are still popular and loved by many for their beauty and fragrance. Be careful though – the intensive scent might give some people headaches!

3. Jasminum officinale (Common white jasmine)

Jasminum officinale (Common white jasmine)

Jasmine is a deciduous vine, native to Asia and famous for its wonderful fragrance. Its oil is used in aromatherapy and dermatology as well as in perfume production. The flowers release their aroma by night and that is when they must be picked. In milder climates it can be grown outside, next to patios and resting places. In colder areas it must be placed inside for the winter.

2. Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender)

Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender)

The purple flowers and overwhelming aroma of lavender are the symbol of Provence. Its high oil content makes it an all-time favorite for gardens and landscapes, as well as an important ingredient of perfumes, soaps, and other cosmetics. Less commonly, it can also be used in the kitchen! If you want to know more about lavender, follow the link.

1. Convallaria majalis (Lily-of-the-valley)

Convallaria majalis (Lily-of-the-valley)

The fragrance hidden in those tiny, inconspicuous flowers is unbelievably strong- almost overwhelming. It permeates the shady corners of deciduous forests and old parks. The flowering period is relatively short, so make sure you spot those little jewels in time by visiting your local forest in May! Parts of this innocent-looking plant are used in cardiac drugs. However, large quantities of the herb may be toxic, and even cause death.

Scent has a power of making the least conspicuous flowers attractive.It can relax, empower or even heal but also annoy and induce a headache. The manufacturers of expensive perfume know all about it! Bearing this in mind, go out and experience the wonderful world of scented plants for yourself; close your eyes and try to follow the aroma. Use fragrant plants in your home and garden – you shall see how much richer your everyday sensory experience becomes!

Article written by Marta Ratajszczak