The aromatic oils in foliage give off their most powerful scent when plants enjoy hot, sunny situations – and that tells us the best sites for most of these plants. All the recommendations below enjoy sunny conditions; many appreciate well-drained or even dry soil.
If you plant them close to paths and patios you can bruise or crush the leaves as you pass to enjoy their fragrance. See below for a selection of RHS Award of Garden Merit-winning shrubs with fragrant foliage.
Also known as wormwoods, artemisias are a group of fragrant silvery plants that appreciate a warm, sunny spot. One of the most widely-grown silver foliage plants, both in sunny borders and in containers, is Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ – closely related to the tree wormwood, Artemisia arborescens (see photo). Developing into a dense and bushy shrub, it makes a delightful specimen in smaller plantings, a good 'mixer' in larger beds and an excellent companion in large containers. The leaves are split, and split again, into lovely, slender slivers. 60cm (2ft).
Caryopteris or bluebeard is an invaluable small shrub that is easy to grow; the foliage is grey-green on top, silvery green below and with an aroma reminiscent of eucalyptus or pine. There are also Variegated means having leaves or other plant parts with streaks, blotches or patches of different colours. Typically, these would be a combination of two colours, such as green and gold or green and white.
A bud is a small, undeveloped shoot that contains the potential for new growth. Buds are typically found on stems, where they can be apical (found at the tip) or axillary (found between leaf axils) and may develop into leaves, shoots or flowers.
The smell of the foliage of Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii receives mixed reviews. The jury's out but I personally think that the occasional common name of 'peanut butter tree' gives a better indication of its intriguing aroma. The real charm belongs to its bronzed young growth, and masses of white, sweetly scented late summer flowers followed by bright pink and blue berries. 3m (10ft). H4.
Lavandula × chaytoriae ‘Sawyers’, whose foliage features a rich lavender perfume, is a A plant produced by crossing two distinct parents, often different species, to produce offspring that combine the characteristics of both. Hybrids can occur naturally, but crosses are often made deliberately by plant breeders to produce plants with better yield, improved flowering or vigour, or improved disease resistance.
Every part of the myrtle is fragrant. It was once believed to have magical properties associated with Aphrodite and Venus, the goddesses of love. Myrtus communis subsp. tarentina is a dwarf type, making a neat, glossy leaved, evergreen shrub with small leaves. Has pink-tinted white autumn flowers and white berries that turn bluish-purple in autumn. Ideal in tubs. 1m (3ft).
In August and September, Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’ is a real star. Since spring, its upright grey-felted stems have been developing and carrying finely-divided grey foliage which is a treat in itself. Then well-branched heads of small, lavender-blue flowers come out, creating a perfect combination with the foliage. And the aroma? A blend of lavender and sage. 1m (3ft).
The neat evergreen leaves of the Australian Prostanthera cuneata have a powerful, minty aroma. Best grown on a warm sheltered wall, or in a pot and moved into the conservatory for the winter. Its prettily patterned white flowers are like small violas that open on a dwarf, bushy plant in late spring. 1m (3ft).
The flowering currant, Ribes sanguineum, is the most dependably prolific of spring-flowering shrubs. The crushed foliage has a distinctive and much more appealing fragrance. White Icicle ('Ubric') opens earlier than most, is less vigorous than most and has impressively long strings of pure white flowers with no hints of pink, creating a pristine look. 1.8m (6ft).
