If your summer garden isn’t complete without the calming scent of lavender, you’re not alone. Lavender’s soothing fragrance, drought tolerance, and graceful blooms make it a favorite — but it’s far from the only plant that can offer heavenly aroma and visual charm.
In this article, discover 16 other fragrant plants that pair beautifully with lavender or shine just as brightly on their own. From sweet-scented herbs to blooming perennials that thrive in the sun, these picks will fill your garden with layered, long-lasting fragrance all season long.
Because when it comes to scent, more is more — and your garden deserves it.
Jasmine
Jasmine, known for its sweet, intoxicating fragrance, has been adored throughout history. In ancient times, it symbolized love and beauty. Its alluring scent is often used in perfumes and teas. Imagine walking through a garden at dusk, the air filled with its rich aroma. Perfect for creating a romantic atmosphere, a few jasmine plants can transform your evening garden into a fragrant retreat.
Rosemary
Rosemary’s robust, earthy aroma is both invigorating and comforting. Traditionally used in Mediterranean cuisine, its scent is reminiscent of pine forests by the sea. This herb is not only a flavorful addition to dishes but also a delightful aromatic to have around. A pot of rosemary on your windowsill can bring a refreshing, natural scent into your home that energizes and soothes.
Gardenia
Gardenias offer a rich, velvety scent that is both sweet and fresh. These elegant flowers have long been a symbol of grace in Southern gardens. Their heady fragrance can fill a room with just one bloom. Ideal for creating a lush, fragrant environment, gardenias are a perfect choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces looking to capture a bit of Southern charm.
Lilac
Lilacs are synonymous with spring, their clusters of tiny flowers releasing a sweet and slightly spicy fragrance. This scent is often associated with nostalgia and renewal. Placing lilac branches in a vase can instantly refresh a room with the essence of a blooming garden. Their beautiful hues also add a touch of color to any decor, making them a sensory delight.
Chamomile
Chamomile, often associated with calming teas, offers a gentle, apple-like fragrance. This mild scent is perfect for relaxation, especially in the evenings. Beyond its aromatic appeal, chamomile has been used historically for its soothing properties. Bringing chamomile into your home can create a serene atmosphere, whether through fresh flowers or dried for teas and sachets.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood’s warm, woody scent is renowned for its calming and grounding properties. Often used in incense and perfumes, its aroma is both exotic and comforting. This scent can transport you to a peaceful state, making it ideal for meditation and relaxation spaces. Incorporating sandalwood into your home can help create a sanctuary of tranquility and peace.
Peony
Peonies are celebrated for their opulent blooms and equally luxurious scent. These flowers emit a heady, rose-like fragrance that is both floral and slightly spicy. Known to symbolize prosperity and romance, peonies are often featured in wedding bouquets. Their scent can evoke a sense of joy and celebration, making them a wonderful addition to any festive decor.
Lavandin
Lavandin, a hybrid of lavender, offers a more intense and camphorous fragrance. Known for its versatility, it is widely used in essential oils and aromatherapy products. Its scent is both refreshing and invigorating, making it a popular choice for those seeking a stronger alternative to traditional lavender. A field of lavandin can transport your senses to the heart of Provence.
Bergamot
Bergamot, a citrus fruit, is best known for its essential oil used in Earl Grey tea. Its scent is a delightful mix of citrus and floral notes that is both uplifting and calming. This unique fragrance can brighten any space, evoking feelings of freshness and clarity. Perfect for those who appreciate a zesty aroma, bergamot offers a lively twist to traditional scents.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle’s sweet, nectar-like fragrance is reminiscent of warm summer evenings. This vine’s scent is known for its ability to attract pollinators, adding life and movement to gardens. With its enchanting aroma, honeysuckle can create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Whether it’s draped over a trellis or in a simple pot, its scent brings the essence of summer indoors.
Cedarwood
Cedarwood’s deep, woody fragrance is both grounding and invigorating. This scent evokes the tranquility of a forest and is often used in aromatherapy for its calming effects. Cedarwood is a popular choice for enhancing relaxation spaces, offering a natural and earthy aroma. Perfect for creating a serene and rejuvenating environment, its scent is as timeless as it is refreshing.
Freesia
Freesias are known for their bell-shaped blooms and sweet, citrusy scent. Often used in perfumes and bouquets, their fragrance is light and refreshing. Freesias symbolize friendship and trust, making them perfect for gifting. The cheerful and lively scent of freesia can uplift any room, adding a touch of elegance and brightness that is both welcoming and delightful.
Patchouli
Patchouli’s rich, musky scent has been a staple in perfumes and incense for decades. Known for its earthy and slightly sweet aroma, it has a grounding effect on the senses. Often associated with the bohemian lifestyle, patchouli brings a touch of exotic mystery to any setting. Its scent can transform your home into a haven of tranquility and peace.
Magnolia
Magnolias are cherished for their large, fragrant blooms that exude a citrusy and sweet aroma. This scent is both refreshing and elegant, often associated with Southern gardens. Magnolia’s fragrance can fill the air with a sense of grace and beauty. Whether in a garden or a bouquet, these flowers bring a touch of timeless elegance and charm to any space.
Vanilla Orchid
Vanilla orchids offer a warm and sweet fragrance that is both comforting and inviting. This scent is a staple in many perfumes and candles, known for its rich and creamy notes. Vanilla orchids can transport you to a tropical paradise, adding a touch of exotic luxury to your home. Their scent is perfect for creating a cozy and indulgent atmosphere.
Verbena
Verbena’s citrusy and slightly herbal scent is both refreshing and energizing. This fragrance is often used in herbal teas and perfumes, known for its uplifting properties. Verbena can invigorate the senses and brighten any space with its lively aroma. Perfect for those seeking a vibrant and fresh scent, verbena plants can add a splash of color and fragrance to gardens and homes alike.