The Best Annual Flowers for a Fragrant Garden

FlowersGardening

Jan 27

One of the simplest ways to make your garden feel like an oasis is by planting flowers that fill the air with incredible scents. Fragrant blooms don’t just add beauty—they create an experience, turning your garden into a place you’ll want to linger in. The great thing? You don’t need to be an expert to grow them.

Here are some of the most fragrant annuals that are easy to care for, look fantastic, and smell even better.

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1. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

The Calendula plant produces daisy-like flowers in bright shades of yellow and orange, with edible petals.

What it smells like: Calendula has a mild, herbal fragrance with a hint of spice.

How to care for it: Calendula thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Deadhead spent blooms to keep the flowers coming.

2. Floss Flower (Ageratum)

It features fluffy, pom-pom-like flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white, and grows in compact mounds.

What it smells like: Floss flower has a subtle, sweet scent that’s most noticeable up close.

How to care for it: Plant in full sun to partial shade. Keep the soil moist, and fertilize every few weeks for the best blooms.

3. Four O’Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa)

Four O’Clocks produce trumpet-shaped flowers in bright shades of pink, yellow, and white. They open in the late afternoon, hence the name.

What it smells like: These flowers emit a delightful citrusy fragrance, particularly in the late afternoon and evening.

How to care for it: Plant Four O’Clocks in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They’re drought-tolerant but appreciate regular watering.

4. Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens)

Heliotrope has clusters of tiny, deep purple or lavender flowers and dark green, textured leaves.

What it smells like: Often described as smelling like vanilla or cherry pie, heliotrope’s scent is warm and inviting. I personally think it smells like a vanilla sugar cookie and this one is one that I regularly have in my garden.

How to care for it: Heliotrope loves the sun but appreciates some afternoon shade in hot climates. Keep the soil moist and fertilize monthly for the best blooms. Don’t forget to deadhead to keep the blooms coming.

5. Marigolds (Tagetes)

These vibrant flowers come in shades of yellow, orange, and red, with dense, ruffled petals.

What it smells like: Marigolds have a strong, earthy aroma that some people find pleasant and others describe as pungent. So this one can be a controversial pick.

How to care for it: Marigolds thrive in full sun and tolerate a range of soils. They’re low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established.

RELATED: The One Flower You’re Probably Overlooking in Your Garden

6. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum)

These plants produce cheerful, trumpet-shaped flowers in warm hues of yellow, orange, and red.

What it smells like: Nasturtiums have a light, peppery scent that’s matched by their spicy, edible leaves and flowers.

How to care for it: Nasturtiums do best in full sun and poor, well-drained soil. Over-fertilizing can reduce blooms.

7. Nicotiana (Flowering Tobacco)

This plant has tubular flowers that come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and green. The blooms are often star-shaped and grow on tall, elegant stems.

What it smells like: Nicotiana blooms release a rich, jasmine-like fragrance, particularly in the evening when they open up.

How to care for it: Nicotiana loves full sun but can tolerate some afternoon shade. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and pinch back the tips to promote bushier growth.

8. Pansy (Viola)

Pansies feature striking, colorful blooms with a distinct "face" on their petals.

What it smells like: Some varieties of pansies have a delicate, perfumed scent, especially the smaller-flowered types.

How to care for it: Plant pansies in partial to full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly, and deadhead to prolong blooming.

9. Petunias

Petunias come in an array of colors and patterns. They produce trumpet-shaped flowers that spill beautifully from containers or hanging baskets.

What it smells like: While not all petunias are fragrant, some varieties, like the Wave or Supertunia Vista series, have a light, sweet scent.

How to care for it: Plant petunias in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry weather, and deadhead spent blooms to keep them looking tidy.

RELATED: How I Learned the Secret to Fuller Petunias: Pinching Back

10. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)

These tall, spiky plants produce blossoms in nearly every color imaginable, resembling tiny dragon mouths.

What it smells like: Snapdragon flowers have a mild, fruity fragrance that’s most noticeable on warm days.

How to care for it: Snapdragons prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Pinch back the stems early on to encourage bushier growth.

RELATED: A Beginner's Guide to Choosing the Perfect Flowers for Your Front Yard

11. Stock (Matthiola incana)

It features dense spikes of flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and yellow. The foliage is a soft gray-green, adding a nice contrast.

What it smells like: Stock is famous for its clove-like scent, which is both spicy and sweet.

How to care for it: Stock prefers cooler temperatures, so plant it in early spring or fall. Give it full sun and keep the soil evenly moist. Remove spent blooms to extend the flowering season.

12. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

This plant produces clusters of tiny, delicate flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple. It’s low-growing and often used as a border or filler plant.

What it smells like: Sweet Alyssum has a subtle, honey-like fragrance that wafts gently in the breeze. It’s not overpowering but oh-so-lovely.

How to care for it: Sweet Alyssum thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Water it regularly, especially during dry spells, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.

13. Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)

These climbing plants produce delicate, ruffled flowers in a rainbow of colors. They’re perfect for trellises or fences.

What it smells like: Sweet peas are legendary for their intense, candy-like fragrance.

How to care for it: Sweet peas prefer cool weather and need full sun to partial shade. Keep the soil moist and provide support for their climbing vines. Regularly pick the flowers to encourage more blooms.

14. Sweet Sultan (Amberboa moschata)

This plant produces fluffy, thistle-like blooms in shades of white, pink, and purple.

What it smells like: Sweet Sultan has a soft, sweet scent reminiscent of honey and vanilla.

How to care for it: Plant Sweet Sultan in full sun and average, well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly to extend the bloom period.

15. Virginia Stock (Malcolmia maritima)

This plant produces clusters of small, pastel-colored flowers, perfect for borders or containers.

What it smells like: Virginia Stock has a light, sweet fragrance that’s lovely in the evening.

How to care for it: Virginia Stock prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It’s a fast grower and blooms quickly from seed.

Planting any of these fragrant annuals will add a sensory dimension to your garden that’s truly special. Whether you’re sitting on your porch with a cup of coffee or tending your plants after a long day, their scents will bring a little extra joy to your outdoor space.

Which flower has your favorite fragrance? Share the joy with us in the comments below!

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