Most Popular Scented Flowers

Article published at: Jul 30, 2024
Most Popular Scented Flowers
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There's nothing quite like the enchanting aroma of a beautifully scented flower. For centuries, people have been captivated by the fragrances that flowers emit, and in the UK, gardens are often designed with scent as a top priority. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a newcomer, choosing flowers with delightful scents can transform your garden into a fragrant paradise.

In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most popular scented flowers that thrive in British gardens, including Stock (Matthiola), Roses, Lavender, Sweet Peas, Honeysuckle, Lilies, Jasmine, and Gardenia.

Stock (Matthiola)

Most Popular Scented Flowers Stock

 

Stock, also known as Matthiola, is a perennial favourite in British gardens. Originating from the Mediterranean region, these flowers have found a special place in the hearts of UK gardeners due to their robust fragrance and vibrant colours. The scent of Stock is often described as spicy and sweet, making it a perfect addition to any garden.

The fragrance of Stock intensifies during the evening, making it a fantastic choice for evening gardens where the scent can be fully appreciated. To get the best out of these flowers, plant them in well-draining soil and ensure they receive plenty of sunlight. Regular deadheading will encourage more blooms, ensuring your garden remains fragrant throughout the growing season.

Aside from gardens, the stock is an excellent flower to send as a gift to someone who loves scented flowers. It's sweet, rustic look and bright colours and shades is sure to cheer anyone up. 

 

Roses

Most Popular Scented Flowers Roses

Roses are perhaps the most iconic of all scented flowers, revered for their beauty and romantic connotations. In the UK, roses are a staple in many gardens, not only for their visual appeal but also for their exquisite scent. Historically, roses have been symbols of love, beauty, and even political emblems. Which makes the rose a perfect gift to send a loved one

The scent of a rose can vary significantly depending on the variety. Some, like the David Austin roses, are bred specifically for their fragrance and offer a heady, sweet aroma that can fill a garden. When choosing roses for their scent, look for varieties that mention fragrance as a key characteristic. Plant them in well-prepared soil with good drainage and ensure they receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. Regular feeding and pruning will keep your roses healthy and blooming.

 

Lavender

Most Popular Scented Flowers Lavender

 

Lavender is renowned for its calming and soothing scent, which has made it a popular choice for gardens and homes alike. With its origins in the Mediterranean, lavender has adapted well to the UK's climate and is a common sight in many gardens. Its fragrance is not only pleasant but also has medicinal properties, often used to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Lavender's scent is most potent in the late afternoon and evening. The key to growing lavender successfully is to plant it in full sun with well-draining soil. Overwatering can be detrimental, so ensure the soil dries out between watering sessions. Lavender can also be harvested and dried, retaining its scent for months, making it a wonderful addition to sachets and potpourris.

 

Lilacs

Most Popular Scented Flowers Lilacs

Lilacs are beloved for their large, fragrant flower clusters and early spring blooms. Their scent is sweet and nostalgic, often associated with the arrival of warmer weather.

Lilacs come in various shades of purple, pink, and white, making them a versatile addition to any garden. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, and with minimal care, they can bloom profusely for many years. Lilacs are excellent for cut flower arrangements, bringing their delightful fragrance indoors.

 

Sweet Peas

Most Popular Scented Flowers Sweet Peas

Sweet Peas are beloved for their delicate, sweet fragrance that is reminiscent of old-fashioned gardens. These flowers, which originate from the Mediterranean region, have a long history in British horticulture and are often grown for their scent as much as their beauty.

The scent of Sweet Peas can vary, with some varieties being more fragrant than others. To enjoy their aroma, plant them in a sunny spot with rich, well-draining soil. They benefit from a support structure, such as a trellis, to climb as they grow. Regular watering and deadheading will keep Sweet Peas blooming and fragrant throughout the season.

 

Honeysuckle

Most Popular Scented Flowers Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is a favourite for its strong, sweet scent that can fill an entire garden, especially during the evening and night. Native to Europe, including the UK, honeysuckle has been cherished for its fragrance and its ability to attract wildlife, particularly bees and butterflies.

Honeysuckle's fragrance is most potent in the evening, making it a perfect addition to a night garden. These climbers are relatively easy to grow, preferring a position with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. They need a support structure to climb and regular pruning to keep them in check. Their fragrant flowers make honeysuckle an excellent choice for covering walls, fences, and pergolas.

 

Lilies

Most Popular Scented Flowers Lilies

Lilies are another beloved flower known for their intense fragrance and striking appearance. With a history dating back thousands of years, lilies have been symbols of purity and refined beauty. In the UK, they are a popular choice for both gardens and floral arrangements.

The scent of lilies is strong and sweet, often described as intoxicating. Asiatic and Oriental lilies are particularly noted for their fragrance. To grow lilies successfully, plant their bulbs in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. They require regular watering but be careful not to overwater. Lilies also benefit from a layer of mulch to retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

 

Peonies

Most Popular Scented Flowers Peonies

Peonies are not only beautiful but also highly fragrant, making them a cherished addition to any garden and vase arrangement. Their large, lush blooms are a highlight in any landscape, captivating with their sweet, floral scent that is simply enchanting. These perennial favourites are known for their longevity, with some varieties living for decades when properly cared for. Peonies are the most popular flower to send as a gift. 

Peonies thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to flourish. They also benefit from a cold winter period, as this dormant phase is crucial for the plants to bloom their best come spring. Peonies are also a very popular cut flower for home deliveries as well as bridal bouquets. 

 

Jasmine

Most Popular Scented Flowers Jasmine

Jasmine is a highly prized flower for its powerful and sweet fragrance. Originally from the tropics and subtropics, jasmine has become a popular addition to UK gardens. Its small, star-shaped flowers can fill a garden with their scent, especially in the evening and early morning.

Jasmine thrives in a sunny position with well-draining soil. It can be grown as a climbing plant or a shrub, depending on the variety. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages more blooms. The scent of jasmine is often used in perfumes and aromatherapy due to its soothing and relaxing properties.

 

Gardenia

Most Popular Scented Flowers Gardenia

Gardenia is known for its creamy white flowers and strong, sweet scent. Originally from Asia, gardenias have become popular in the UK for their fragrance and ornamental value. Their scent is often associated with high-end perfumes and is considered very luxurious.

Gardenias prefer a sheltered spot with indirect sunlight and well-draining, slightly acidic soil. They can be a bit finicky, requiring consistent moisture and humidity. However, the effort is well worth it for the reward of their beautiful and fragrant blooms. Regular feeding and pruning will keep gardenias healthy and blooming.

Conclusion

Scented flowers have a magical ability to transform any garden or home with their enchanting aromas. From the spicy sweetness of Stock to the luxurious fragrance of Gardenia, these flowers not only add beauty but also bring a sensory experience that uplifts the spirit. By choosing to plant these popular scented flowers in your garden, you'll create a fragrant haven that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there's a scented flower for everyone. And for those special occasions, consider ordering British-grown flowers for delivery, supporting local growers while enjoying the finest blooms the UK has to offer. So, why not add a touch of fragrance to your life and experience the joy that scented flowers bring? Your garden, and your senses, will thank you.

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