Plants with Scented Leaves: A Guide to Fragrant Foliage
Fragrant foliage adds an extra dimension to any garden, releasing delightful scents into the air. Whether you’re looking for plants to complement the sweet-smelling blossoms of your flowerbeds or simply want to create a more inviting outdoor space, there are numerous options to choose from. This guide will introduce you to 15 exceptional plants with scented leaves, providing detailed information on their appearance, growing requirements, and unique characteristics.
Bayberry
Bayberry is a deciduous shrub known for its aromatic leaves and gray berries. It’s a versatile plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Bayberry’s scented leaves are often used in potpourris and other fragrance crafts.
Bee Balm
Bee balm, also known as Monarda, is a perennial prized for its attractive flowers and citrusy-scented leaves. Different species of bee balm have varying moisture requirements, so be sure to choose one that suits your climate. Bee balm is a popular choice for attracting pollinators to the garden.
Bluebeard
Bluebeard, or Caryopteris × clandonensis, is a small shrub with minty-scented leaves and striking blue flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Bluebeard is a drought-tolerant plant that adds a touch of color to the garden even after most other shrubs have finished blooming.
Catmint
Catmint, or Nepeta, is a genus of plants known for their strongly scented leaves and attractive flowers. Different species and cultivars vary in height and growth habit, making them suitable for various landscaping purposes. Catmint prefers full sun to partial sun and well-drained soil. It’s a relatively low-maintenance plant that attracts cats with its irresistible fragrance.
Catnip
Catnip, a type of catmint, is another popular choice for its intense scent. While catnip is often grown for its effects on cats, it also has ornamental value with its white flowers and heart-shaped leaves. Catnip is a hardy plant that tolerates a wide range of growing conditions.
Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme, or Thymus, is a low-growing perennial with aromatic leaves and attractive flowers. It’s an ideal ground cover for fragrance gardens, releasing a pleasant scent when stepped on. Creeping thyme prefers full sun and well-drained, sandy soil. Its woody stems can be pruned back as needed to rejuvenate the plant.
Hemlock
Hemlock, or Tsuga canadensis, is a tall evergreen tree with scented leaves and graceful form. It’s a suitable choice for privacy hedges or as a specimen tree. Hemlock prefers cool, moist, well-drained soil and protection from strong winds.
Lantana
Lantana, or Lantana camara, is a shrub with showy flowers and scented leaves. While some find its citrusy scent refreshing, others may find it overpowering. Lantana grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a drought-tolerant plant that attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
English Lavender
English lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, is a classic choice for its fragrant flowers and leaves. It’s a Mediterranean herb that requires well-drained, infertile soil and full sun. English lavender is often used in potpourris and other fragrance products.
Russian Sage
Russian sage, or Salvia yangii, is a sub-shrub with silvery stems, feathery leaves, and panicles of lavender flowers. It’s a drought-tolerant plant that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Russian sage adds a touch of elegance to the garden with its long bloom period and graceful form.
Sweet Woodruff
Sweet woodruff, or Galium odoratum, is a fragrant ground cover with whorled leaves and star-shaped flowers. Its aromatic foliage is strongest when dried, making it a popular choice for potpourris and sachets. Sweet woodruff is a versatile plant that adapts well to different soil and moisture conditions.
Tansy
Tansy, or Tanacetum vulgare, is a tall plant with feathery, scented leaves and yellow flowers. It has traditionally been used as a strewing herb for ant control due to its strong scent. Tansy is a vigorous grower that prefers full to partial sun and well-drained soil.
Tricolor Sage
Tricolor sage, or Salvia officinalis ‘Tricolor’, is an ornamental cultivar of culinary sage. It features variegated leaves with three colors (white, green, purple) and a compact growth habit. Tricolor sage prefers full sun to partial sun and well-drained soil. Its fragrant leaves add a touch of color and interest to borders and containers.
Wormwood
Wormwood, or Artemisia, is a genus of plants with aromatic leaves and silvery foliage. Ornamental wormwoods are grown for their attractive foliage and drought tolerance. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Some species of wormwood have medicinal properties, while others are toxic to humans and animals.
Yarrow
Yarrow, or Achillea millefolium, is a perennial with fern-like, aromatic foliage. It’s known for its flat-topped clusters of flowers in a wide range of colors. Yarrow is a low-maintenance plant that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Its spreading habit makes it suitable for ground cover or naturalizing in open areas.