Add These Fragrant Annual Flowers to Your Garden in the Midwest

These unusual gems offer intriguing fragrance throughout summer

savor sweetness in the garden is an experience most gardeners apprize and endeavour for . Our woody plant , such as lilac ( Syringaspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–8 ) and Koreanspice genus Viburnum ( Viburnumcarlesiiand cvs . , Zones 5–9 ) , as well as perennials such as fragrant pinks ( Dianthusspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–10 ) and garden phlox ( Phloxpaniculataand cvs . , Zones 4–8 ) provide terrific window of scent . However , it is the seasonal plants in ourMidwest gardensthat will contribute extended aroma over a long period of time . It is entirely possible to have a series offragrant plantsin our garden from early spring until frost , andannualfragrant flowers can trifle a significant part of that sensory equation .

There are many seasonal plants that make olfactive contributions in the garden . And while our appreciation of these fragrances is immanent , there are some that are absolute “ slam dunk ” for engaging odour . Below are six seasonal selections that extend lengthened fragrance . They may not be winter hardy in the Midwest , but they make great additions to your yearly plant and fragrancy menu .

Popcorn plant is big on size and has a surprising scent

Senna didymobotrya , syn . Cassia didymobotryaZones:9–11Size:4 to 7 foot marvelous and wideConditions : Full sun ; moist , well - enfeeble soil

This industrial plant continues to be a pop selection for its beautiful yellow flowers and the buttered - popcorn scent of the flush buds when rubbed . Zea mays everta flora is a subshrub aboriginal to tropical and eastern Africa . It is also a leguminous plant that sport pinnately compound , blue - green foliage . It can grow up to 10 foot tall and wide in tropical clime , but it does n’t get as large in the Midwest , where it is grown as an annual . The buttery yellow flowers bloom on stalks from the bottom upward , and both the flower and the foliage have scent . The show break down from summertime into free fall . Admittedly , some folks do n’t care for the sweetness , but it is engage to most . It is important to note that this plant is poisonous .

Chocolate cosmos is a trouble-free aromatic charmer

Cosmosatrosanguineusand cvs . Zones:7–11Size:18 to 24 column inch tall and wideConditions : Full sun ; moist , passably fertile , well - drain soil

aboriginal to Mexico , chocolate cosmos is a tuberous perennial in warmer climates but is grow as an annual in the Midwest . It gets its name from the velvety , deep red flowers as well as the remarkable scent of saturnine umber . Its 2 - inch - diam prime bloom from midsummer until evenfall . Chocolate cosmos is drouth large-minded once established and is rarely bothered by insects , diseases , cervid , or rabbits . Pollinatorswill find the efflorescence interesting , and the tubers of this flora can be dug in fall and stored as you would cannas ( Cannaspp . and cvs . , Zones 8–11 ) anddahlias(Dahliaspp . and cvs . , Zones 9–11 ) .

Fragrant heliotrope provides blue, purple, and even white flowering options

Heliotropiumarborescensand cvs . Zones:9–11Size:18 inches tall and wideConditions : Full to fond shade ; rich , moist , well - drained dirt

Native to Peru , heliotrope is a tender , perennial bush , although it is sure as shooting a lovesome - time of year yearbook for us in the Midwest . The livid - flowering form ‘ Alba ’ has blossom clump that olfactory modality of pure vanilla extract . Many of the blue and purplish manikin are fragrant , although some have very little fragrance . Full sunlight is prefer , but some good afternoon shade is welcome in live summertime climate . Heliotrope will bloom all summer and can be pinched back for increase bushiness . This plant is quite poisonous , in particular for horses .

Flowering tobacco puts out a strong fragrance at dusk

Nicotianasylvestrisspp . and cvs . Zones:10–11Size:4 to 6 feet tall and 2 feet wideConditions : Full sun to partial shade ; rich , moist , well - enfeeble soil

There are many types of tobacco works ( Nicotianaspp . and cvs . , Zones 10–11 ) that produce blossom with perfume throughout the summer . However , this notable species has a wonderfully intense scent , especially at dusk and into the evening . The selection ‘ Only the Lonely ’ is clean common and quite popular . orotund leave-taking and a sturdy stalk support candelabrum - like sprays of tubular , white prime . This plant life won an Award of Garden Merit from theRoyal Horticultural Societyand is an fantabulous garden portion for stature , flower contributions , and that warm , sweet scent . This plant ego - sow prolifically in open soil and should n’t be consumed .

Fragrant tuberose is great for the garden and the vase

Agaveamicaand cvs . , syn . Polianthes tuberosaZones:9–11Size:24 to 48 inches marvelous and 6 to 12 inch wideConditions : Full sun ; moderately fertile , well - drained grease

Also aboriginal to Mexico , this tuberous plant features intensely fragrant , white , waxy , funnel - shaped bloom in midsummer until fall . The flowers are presented on tough stalks above grasslike foliage . Fragrant Polianthes tuberosa is an first-class cut flower and not bothered bydeerorrabbits . The varieties ‘ Mexican Single ’ and ‘ The Pearl ’ ( doubled flower ) are commonly available . The challenge in our Midwest climate is starting them betimes in containers to get a jump on the season before they are implant out in other June . This early start is all-important to undertake flowers in late summer into fall , and staggered - clock planting of the tubers will result in a nice sequence of coloring and scent . The tubers can also be dug and stack away as you would cannas and dahlia .

Night phlox produces an intoxicating scent of vanilla and honey

Zaluzianskya capensisand cvs . Zones:9–11Size:12 inch tall and wideConditions : Full sun ; plentiful , moist , sharply enfeeble soil

sense the delectable scent of this nighttime - bloom annual , native to South Africa , is an amazing experience . This is a personal dearie , and while it is a humble plant , positioning it incontainersand windowpane boxes near a pack of cards , patio , or windowpane will result in some amazing summer evening use . During the daylight the flowers are closed , with the maroon backings on the petals presenting interesting , dark buds . As gloam descends , these modest blossom undefendable into pure white Aeonium haworthii of fragrance , with a fragrance described as a combination of vanilla extract and honey . Well - debilitate grime is indispensable , and this flora prosper in containers . The miscellany ‘ Midnight Candy ’ is commonly available and easy to grow .

— Mark Dwyer is the garden managing director for the Edgerton Hospital Healing Garden in Edgerton , Wisconsin , and he operates Landscape Prescriptions by MD .

Photos : Mark Dwyer

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Lee Valley Garden Obelisks

Fine horticulture receive a mission for items buy through connectedness on this site , including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertizement programs .

Dramm Revolution Adjustable 9 - Pattern Metal Hose Nozzle

Hunter Industries MP-1000 - 90 Hunter Nozzle

Get our latest steer , how - to article , and instructional videos sent to your inbox .

Signing you up …

Plants with Early Spring Flower Fragrance for the Midwest

Olbrich Botanical Gardens: A Must-See Midwest Destination

Growing Buttonbush: A Great Native Shrub for Wet Areas in the Garden

Growing Creeping Phlox and Annual Phlox in the Midwest

Join hunky-dory horticulture for a spare pursue live webinar have Dr. Janna Beckerman , a renowned plant diagnostician as well as prof emerita at Purdue University and the ornamental technical director …

When I spotted a particular guts dollar cactus ( Astrophytum asterias ) at the Philadelphia Flower Show a few months ago , I knew I was in trouble . With a delicious color pattern …

When we only prioritise plants we need over plant our landscape demand , each season is make full with a never - ending inclination of chores : pruning , pinching , watering , treating , improve , and fertilizing , with …

Video

Touring an Eco-friendly, Shady Backyard Retreat

You must be careful when you enter the backyard of garden clothes designer Jeff Epping — not because you ’re likely to trip on something , but because you might be dive - bombed by a pair …