Plants That Make Scents

Daphne ×transatlantica 'Eternal Fragrance' is prized for its heavenly scented spring blossoms. Photo: Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks

Other than those in the fragrance industry, who knew there was a fragrance wheel akin to the color wheel? Indeed, in 1983, a classification system was developed so retailers could suggest similar, yet alternate, fragrances to their customers.

This year’s Great Plant Picks (GPP) selections focus on fragrance. The primary educational program of the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden in Seattle, Washington, GPP began in 2001. The complete list now covers more than 900 plants and includes bulbs, bam- boos, conifers, ferns, perennials, shrubs, and trees. Each of the last four years of the program has highlighted a different theme: Fantastic Foliage, Fun in the Sun, Made in the Shade, and Small Spaces, Big Impact!

Gardeners love fragrance, many dedicating part—or all—of their gardens to plants with wonderful scents. The GPP team has adapted the use of the fragrance wheel and grouped plants under the following recognized categories: Floral, Spicy, Woodsy, and Fresh. Hence, ...