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Think of the scent of blooming lilacs – that familiar smell might immediately take you back to a favorite park or your grandmother’s garden. Fragrance is the most powerful of all senses for triggering memories, and can be used to add another dimension to your garden.
When selecting fragrant perennials, pick a mix of spring, summer and fall bloomers for constant interest. In general, the lighter the flower color, the stronger the scent (white flowers tend to be the most fragrant – followed by off-white, pink, mauve, yellow and lavender blooms). Be careful not to put too many fragrant perennials close together as stronger scents can overwhelm more delicate ones. Plus, when strong scents mingle, the effect can be overpowering instead of pleasant.
Also remember to include some perennials with fragrant foliage – their fragrance will last spring through fall. Some perennials with aromatic leaves (other than culinary herbs) include: Nepeta (Catmint), Lavandula (Lavender), Monarda (Bee Balm), Geranium macrorrhizum, Achillea (Yarrow) and Asperula odorata (Sweet Woodruff).
Remember, you can always use our Plant Finder online to find the fragrant varieties that are just right for your garden.