10 Fragrant Plants That Thrive in Shade
10 Fragrant Plants That Thrive in Shade
Shaded areas can be tricky to find plants that smell nice. However, there are plenty of fragrant plants that can thrive in low light conditions. Here are 10 aromatic plants that will add a pleasant scent to your shady garden.
1. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Description
Sweet Woodruff is a member of the bedstraw family and is also known by the name waldmeister. It has small bright-green leaves and tiny white flowers that bloom in spring. This plant is also a popular ingredient for making German Maiwein, a sweet, herbal wine. When the leaves of sweet woodruff are crushed or bruised, they release a sweet hay-like fragrance.
Growing requirements
Sweet Woodruff prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. It's perfect for under trees or in woodland gardens. This herbaceous perennial grows up to 12 inches high and spreads by runners, so be careful it doesn't take over your garden.
Caring tips
Sweet Woodruff has very few maintenance requirements. It doesn't require much watering but should be kept moist. It shouldn't be fertilized since it will suppress its aromatics. The plant can be cut back after blooming if it starts looking messy.
2. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Description
Lily of the Valley is a woodland plant with pale green leaves and delicate bell-shaped flowers. The flowers bloom in late spring and have a sweet fragrance that fills the air. The plant grows up to 6-9 inches tall and spreads by rhizomes.
Growing requirements
Lily of the Valley prefers partial to full shade and well-drained soil. The plant likes moist, cool soil, so it should be watered often in dry weather. Lily of the Valley grows well under deciduous trees or in woodland settings.
Caring tips
Lily of the Valley needs little maintenance as long as it is kept moist. Removing spent flowers will keep the plant from spreading too much but isn't necessary. Keep an eye out for snails and slugs that can damage the leaves and flowers.
3. Sarcococca (Sarcococca confusa)
Description
Sarcococca is also known as Sweet box and is a compact evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves. The plant has small white flowers that bloom in winter and have a spicy fragrance similar to honey. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide.
Growing requirements
Sarcococca thrives in partial to full shade and well-drained soil. It prefers moist but not wet soil, especially during the summer months. This plant is low-maintenance and perfect for borders or containers.
Caring tips
Sarcococca requires little care once established. It doesn't require much fertilizing but does benefit from applications of a slow-release fertilizer in spring. Trim any straggly stems in late spring and early summer to keep the plant looking tidy.
4. Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum)
Description
Honeysuckle is a climbing vine with yellow and white trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in June and July. The plant has a sweet fragrance that is most prominent in the evening. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and spread out over an area of 15 feet.
Growing requirements
Honeysuckles prefer partial shade with well-drained soil. This plant likes moist soil, so watering it regularly is necessary during dry spells. Honeysuckle can grow up trellises or arches and makes for lovely fragrant screens.
Caring tips
Honeysuckle plants require little care but should be monitored for mildew, which can occur if the foliage is too damp at night. The plants should be pruned once a year to remove dead wood and to control their size.
5. Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla)
Description
Brunnera is also known as Siberian Bugloss and is mainly grown for its heart-shaped leaves, which are typically bright green or variegated with silver. In the spring, clusters of blue flowers bloom, giving off a sweet fragrance. The plant grows up to 16 inches high and spreads slowly.
Growing requirements
Brunnera prefers partial shade but can handle some sun in the morning or late afternoon. Well-drained soil is best, and it benefits from regular watering. Brunnera adds beauty to borders and rocky outcroppings.
Caring tips
Brunnera doesn't have specific maintenance requirements, but the older leaves will die back in summer, so removing them will make the plant look cleaner. Mulching around the plant during winter can help it return the following spring.
6. Daphne (Daphne bholua)
Description
Daphne is a deciduous shrub with glossy dark-green leaves and small pink or white flowers that bloom in late winter. The plant has a pleasing fragrance that smells like citrus mixed with honey. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide.
Growing requirements
Daphne prefers partial shade and well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant doesn't like drought conditions, so constant watering is best. Daphne needs protection from strong winds and cold temperatures.
Caring tips
Daphne plants require frequent fertilizing in early spring to help them produce healthy leaves and blooms. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further flowering. In summer, the shrub should be pruned lightly to keep its shape and size under control.
7. Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum)
Description
Jacob's ladder is a perennial herbaceous plant with fern-like foliage and clusters of blue or white flowers during the summer months. The plant releases a sweet almond-like fragrance when it's in bloom. It grows up to 3 feet tall and spreads slowly.
Growing requirements
Jacob's Ladder prefers partial to full shade and moist but well-drained soil. It's perfect for woodland gardens or shady borders. The plant requires regular watering during dry spells.
Caring tips
Jacob's Ladder requires little maintenance but can benefit from a light application of fertilizer in early spring. Trimming back any yellowing leaves will help the plant look neater.
8. Bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia)
Description
Bergenia is an evergreen perennial that is known for its large glossy green leaves, which turn reddish-bronze in fall. In spring, the plants produce colorful clusters of pink or red flowers that exude a sweet fragrance. It can grow up to 18 inches tall and wide.
Growing requirements
Bergenia prefers partial shade but can tolerate some sun when it's not too hot. This plant likes well-drained soil that is kept moist during the growing season. Bergenia is a popular border plant that adds beauty and fragrance to any garden.
Caring tips
Bergenia requires little maintenance but should be deadheaded after blooming. Removing yellowing leaves will keep the plant healthy and looking its best. Cutting back the old foliage in late winter will help promote new growth in spring.
9. Vinca Minor (Vinca minor)
Description
Vinca Minor is also known as Periwinkle, and it's an excellent ground cover for shady areas. The plant has dark-green, glossy leaves and small purple flowers that bloom in spring. It exudes a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators. Vinca Minor can grow up to 6 inches tall and spread quickly.
Growing requirements
Vinca Minor prefers full shade but can handle some dappled sunlight. The plant likes moist but well-drained soil and doesn't require much watering once established. Vinca Minor is perfect for rock gardens or under deciduous trees.
Caring tips
Vinca Minor requires very little care but can benefit from a light application of fertilizer in early spring. Trimming back any straggly stems will keep the plant looking neat and tidy.
10. Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
Description
Winter Jasmine is a deciduous shrub that produces bright-yellow flowers in the winter months. The plant grows up to 6 feet tall and can be trained on a trellis or support structure. Its fragrance is subtle but still noticeable.
Growing requirements
Winter Jasmine prefers partial to full shade and well-drained soil. The plant likes cool, moist soil during the growing season. It's perfect for covering walls or as an accent shrub in borders.
Caring tips
Winter Jasmine requires little maintenance but should be pruned after blooming to control its size. Older stems can be cut back to encourage new growth. Fertilizing it regularly will help produce more flowers during winter.
Fragrant plants are perfect for adding natural fragrances to your home and garden. Even if you have a shaded area, there are plenty of options to choose from. These plants don't just smell good but also add an element of beauty to your outdoor space.
FAQ
What are the best fragrant plants that can grow in the shade?
- Sweet Woodruff, Lily of the Valley, Sarcococca, Honeysuckle, Brunnera, Daphne, Jacob's Ladder, Bergenia, Vinca Minor, and Winter Jasmine are excellent choices.
What are the growing requirements for these shade-loving scented plants?
- Most of these plants prefer partial to full shade with well-drained, moist soil. Each plant has specific care requirements that are easy to follow.
Can shade-loving scented plants be planted in pots?
- Yes, most of these plants can be grown in containers. Make sure the container has good drainage, and the soil is well-aerated.
Do all shade-loving plants need to be watered frequently?
- Yes, most shade-loving plants require regular watering because they prefer cool, moist soil.
Are all shade-loving scented plants perennials?
- No, not all of them are. Lonicera periclymenum and Jasminum nudiflorum are deciduous shrubs.
How do I care for a jasmine plant?
- Jasmine plants require well-drained soil, consistent watering, and some fertilizing. Prune the plant regularly to promote more blooms and a healthy shape.
What is the best time to plant Daphne bholua?
- The best time to plant daphne is in late spring or early summer before it gets too hot.
Are there any precautions I need to take when planting sweet woodruff?
- Yes, sweet woodruff should not be planted near bodies of water because it can become invasive. Make sure to keep it contained.
How much sunlight do Bergenia plants require?
- Bergenia prefers partial shade but can handle some sun.
What are some companion plants for Jacob's Ladder?
- Ferns, hostas, and astilbes are
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