Fragrant Native Plants for the Mid-Atlantic Region

Best Bets: Plants for Particular Uses

Using fragrant native plants can bring a new dimension to the enjoyment of our gardens! The scents of flowers are present to attract pollinators, but we can appreciate them as well. Their intensity may vary depending on the time of day, the weather, whether the plant has been pollinated, and the individual plant. Some flowers will scent the air while others have a subtle fragrance that is only noted on closer inspection. Other aromatic plant parts, such as leaves, twigs, and bark release their scents when brushed or crushed.

Scents can be difficult to describe in words and people may have personal preferences, so it is best to test your experience with various plants before adding them to your landscape. Visit our demonstration gardens to find plants with the fragrances that are most appealing to you.

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