We usually choose a plant for its aesthetics, but we can also choose it for its pleasant scent. In this blog, we will discover some fragrant plants popular in Quebec. We'll also cover their characteristics and growing requirements to help you choose the best plants for your own scented garden.
- Lilac (Syringa sp.)
Lilac is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic and fragrant plants in Quebec. There are several varieties of lilac with colors ranging from white to dark purple. The scent of lilac flowers is sweet and intoxicating, making them a popular choice for gardens.
Growth Requirements:
- Hardiness zone: 3 to 7
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Watering: Average, drought tolerant once established
Variety to discover: The Bloomerang Dark Purple lilac, with a compact and rounded habit of 1.5 m, hardy in zone 3. It has the particularity of flowering twice, in spring then in mid-summer.
- The rose bush (Rosa sp.)
Rose bushes are classic, fragrant plants that add elegance and romance to any garden. There are a wide variety of rose bushes, some of which are more fragrant than others.
Growth Requirements:
- Hardiness zone: 3 to 9, depending on variety
- Light: Full sun
- Watering: Regular, especially during periods of drought
Variety to discover: Rose 'At Last', for its beautiful light orange flowers and its increased resistance to disease.
- The philadelphus (Philadelphus sp.)
Also called "Mexico orange blossom", philadelphus is a deciduous shrub that produces magnificent clusters of white flowers in spring. Its scent is delicate and reminiscent of orange blossom.
Growth Requirements:
- Hardiness zone: 4 to 8
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Watering: Average, drought tolerant once established
5. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is a perennial herb that produces spikes of highly fragrant purple or blue flowers. Lavender flowers are often used for their relaxing and calming properties. Although lavender is not native to Quebec, some hardy varieties, such as 'Munstead' lavender, can grow in the province.
Growth Requirements:
- Hardiness zone: 4 to 9, depending on variety
- Light: Full sun
- Watering: Low, drought tolerant once established
6. Mugwort (Artemisa sp.)
Mugwort has fragrant foliage with a camphorous smell, it is also used in perfumery.
Growth Requirements:
- Hardiness zone: 5 to 6, for perennials, some varieties are annuals
- Light: Full sun
- Watering: Low, drought tolerant once established
7. Allyssum (Lobularia sp.)
Allyssum is a small, very fragrant annual carpet plant with very delicate flowers. It is found in all shades of pink or white.
Growth Requirements:
- Hardiness zone: annual plant
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Watering: Regular, especially during periods of drought
8. The heliothrope ( Heliotropium sp.)
A plant adored by butterflies, heliothrope will charm you with its captivating aromas reminiscent of vanilla. This annual resists extreme heat well without ever looking wilted.
Growth Requirements:
- Hardiness zone: annual plant
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Watering: Regular
Fragrant plants can transform an outdoor garden into a sensory and relaxing space. The plants mentioned in this article are all wonderful options for creating a fragrant garden. By choosing the appropriate plants based on their growing requirements and hardiness zone, you can create a garden that brings not only visual beauty, but also a delicious and intoxicating scent.
