Indoor Gardening and Houseplants

40 Aromatic Plants for Naturally Fragrant Living Spaces

May 8, 2024 by Jonathan Holmes

Lavender

- Why It’s Great: Lavender emits a calming aroma known to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Light: Full sun.
- Watering: Moderate; allow soil to dry out between waterings.
- Size: Varies, but typically medium-sized shrubs.
- Soil: Well-draining, sandy soil.
- Feeding: Light feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Flowering: Summer.
- Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rosemary

- Why It’s Great: Rosemary’s woody scent is invigorating and can improve focus and memory.
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Watering: Infrequent; prefers drier conditions.
- Size: Can grow into a small shrub or be maintained as a compact herb.
- Soil: Well-draining soil; slightly alkaline.
- Feeding: Minimal feeding with a balanced fertilizer.
- Flowering: Spring to summer.
- Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

3. Jasmine

- Why It’s Great: Jasmine’s sweet fragrance is delightful and often used in perfumes and teas.
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Regular watering to keep soil evenly moist.
- Size: Climbing vine or shrub depending on variety.
- Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
- Feeding: Monthly feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Flowering: Spring to fall.
- Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

4. Mint

- - Why It’s Great: Mint’s refreshing scent can uplift mood and aid digestion.
  - Light: Partial shade to full sun.
  - Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
  - Size: Spreading herbaceous plant.
  - Soil: Rich, moist soil.
  - Feeding: Occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer.
  - Flowering: Summer.
  - Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

5. Geranium

- - - Why It’s Great: Geraniums offer a variety of scents, from citrusy to floral, and are easy to propagate.
    - Light: Full sun to partial shade.
    - Watering: Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
    - Size: Compact shrubs or trailing plants.
    - Soil: Well-draining soil.
    - Feeding: Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
    - Flowering: Spring to fall.
    - Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lemon Balm

- Why It’s Great: Lemon balm emits a citrusy aroma that can uplift spirits and repel insects.
- Light: Partial shade to full sun.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Herbaceous perennial, growing up to 2 feet tall.
- Soil: Rich, well-draining soil.
- Feeding: Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Flowering: Summer.
- Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Patchouli

- Why It’s Great: Patchouli’s earthy scent is grounding and often used in aromatherapy.
- Light: Partial shade to full sun.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Size: Herbaceous perennial, reaching up to 3 feet tall.
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
- Feeding: Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Flowering: Fall.
- Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐

8.Thyme

- - Why It’s Great: Thyme’s fragrance is herbaceous and can enhance culinary dishes while purifying the air.
  - Light: Full sun.
  - Watering: Allow soil to dry out between waterings; thyme prefers drier conditions.
  - Size: Low-growing perennial herb.
  - Soil: Well-draining, sandy soil.
  - Feeding: Minimal feeding with a balanced fertilizer.
  - Flowering: Summer.
  - Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

9. Eucalyptus

- - - Why It’s Great: Eucalyptus emits a fresh, clean aroma known for its respiratory benefits.
    - Light: Full sun to partial shade.
    - Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially in dry climates.
    - Size: Fast-growing tree or shrub, depending on variety.
    - Soil: Well-draining soil.
    - Feeding: Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
    - Flowering: Winter to spring.
    - Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

10. Basil

- - - - Why It’s Great: Basil’s sweet scent is commonly used in cooking and can deter pests indoors.
      - Light: Full sun.
      - Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
      - Size: Herbaceous annual, growing up to 2 feet tall.
      - Soil: Rich, well-draining soil.
      - Feeding: Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
      - Flowering: Summer.
      - Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lemon Verbena

- Why It’s Great: Lemon verbena offers a strong lemon scent that can be used in teas and desserts.
- Light: Full sun.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
- Size: Tall, woody shrub.
- Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Flowering: Summer.
- Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Sage

- Why It’s Great: Sage’s aromatic foliage is both culinary and medicinal, with a warm, earthy scent.
- Light: Full sun.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
- Size: Shrubby perennial, reaching up to 2 feet tall.
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly alkaline soil.
- Feeding: Minimal feeding with a balanced fertilizer.
- Flowering: Summer.
- Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

13.Chamomile

- Why It’s Great: Chamomile’s apple-like fragrance is soothing and often used in teas and skincare products.
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Low-growing herbaceous plant.
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
- Feeding: Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Flowering: Late spring to summer.
- Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

14. Citronella

- - Why It’s Great: Citronella’s citrusy scent naturally repels mosquitoes, making it perfect for outdoor living spaces.
  - Light: Full sun to partial shade.
  - Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
  - Size: Herbaceous perennial, growing up to 3 feet tall.
  - Soil: Well-draining soil.
  - Feeding: Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
  - Flowering: Summer.
  - Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

15. Lemongrass

- - - Why It’s Great: Lemongrass emits a strong lemon scent and is commonly used in cooking and herbal remedies.
    - Light: Full sun to partial shade.
    - Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
    - Size: Tall, grass-like perennial.
    - Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
    - Feeding: Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
    - Flowering: Summer to fall.
    - Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

16. Citrus (Orange, Lemon, Lime)

- - - - Why It’s Great: Citrus trees offer a refreshing aroma and can produce edible fruits indoors if given proper care.
      - Light: Full sun.
      - Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
      - Size: Small trees or shrubs, depending on variety.
      - Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
      - Feeding: Feed monthly with a citrus-specific fertilizer during the growing season.
      - Flowering: Spring.
      - Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

17. Bergamot

- - - - Why It’s Great: Bergamot’s citrusy scent is uplifting and commonly used in teas and aromatherapy.
        
        Light: Full sun to partial shade.
        
        Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
        
        Size: Herbaceous perennial, growing up to 3 feet tall.
        
        Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
        
        Feeding: Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
        
        Flowering: Summer.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

18. Lily of the Valley

- - - - Why It’s Great: Lily of the valley offers a delicate, sweet fragrance and elegant appearance.
        
        Light: Partial to full shade.
        
        Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
        
        Size: Low-growing perennial, reaching up to 6 inches tall.
        
        Soil: Rich, well-draining soil.
        
        Feeding: Minimal feeding with a balanced fertilizer.
        
        Flowering: Spring.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐

19. Hyacinth

- - - - Why It’s Great: Hyacinth’s intense fragrance fills the air with its sweet, floral scent, often associated with spring.
        
        Light: Full sun to partial shade.
        
        Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
        
        Size: Bulbous perennial, growing up to 1 foot tall.
        
        Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
        
        Feeding: Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
        
        Flowering: Spring.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

20. Peppermint

- - - - Why It’s Great: Peppermint’s refreshing aroma can invigorate the senses and relieve headaches.
        
        Light: Partial shade to full sun.
        
        Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
        
        Size: Spreading herbaceous plant.
        
        Soil: Rich, moist soil.
        
        Feeding: Occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer.
        
        Flowering: Summer.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

21. Oregano

1. - Why It’s Great: Oregano’s pungent fragrance is essential in Mediterranean cuisine and has antibacterial properties.
  - Light: Full sun.
  - Watering: Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
  - Size: Low-growing herbaceous perennial.
  - Soil: Well-draining, sandy soil.
  - Feeding: Minimal feeding with a balanced fertilizer.
  - Flowering: Summer.
  - Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

22. Marjoram

1. 1. - Why It’s Great: Marjoram’s warm, spicy aroma complements savory dishes and has calming properties.
    - Light: Full sun.
    - Watering: Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
    - Size: Low-growing herbaceous perennial.
    - Soil: Well-draining, sandy soil.
    - Feeding: Minimal feeding with a balanced fertilizer.
    - Flowering: Summer.
    - Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

23. Lemon Thyme

1. 1. 1. - Why It’s Great: Lemon thyme combines the flavors of lemon and thyme and emits a delightful fragrance.
      - Light: Full sun.
      - Watering: Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
      - Size: Low-growing herbaceous perennial.
      - Soil: Well-draining, sandy soil.
      - Feeding: Minimal feeding with a balanced fertilizer.
      - Flowering: Summer.
      - Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

24. Heliotrope

1. 1. 1. 1. Why It’s Great: Heliotrope offers a rich, vanilla-like fragrance and clusters of colorful flowers.
        
        Light: Full sun to partial shade.
        
        Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
        
        Size: Compact shrub, reaching up to 2 feet tall.
        
        Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
        
        Feeding: Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
        
        Flowering: Summer to fall.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

25. Scented Geraniums

1. 1. 1. 1. Why It’s Great: Scented geraniums come in various fragrances, such as rose, lemon, and mint, adding diversity to indoor gardens.
        
        Light: Full sun to partial shade.
        
        Watering: Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
        
        Size: Compact shrubs or trailing plants.
        
        Soil: Well-draining soil.
        
        Feeding: Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
        
        Flowering: Spring to fall.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

26. Honeysuckle

1. 1. 1. 1. Why It’s Great: Honeysuckle’s sweet fragrance attracts pollinators and enhances outdoor spaces with its climbing vines.
        
        Light: Full sun to partial shade.
        
        Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
        
        Size: Climbing vine or shrub, depending on variety.
        
        Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
        
        Feeding: Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
        
        Flowering: Spring to summer.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

27. Neroli

1. 1. 1. 1. Why It’s Great: Neroli’s floral scent is derived from bitter orange blossoms and is often used in perfumery and aromatherapy.
        
        Light: Full sun to partial shade.
        
        Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
        
        Size: Small tree or shrub.
        
        Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
        
        Feeding: Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
        
        Flowering: Spring.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

28. Sweet Alyssum

1. 1. 1. 1. Why It’s Great: Sweet alyssum’s delicate flowers emit a honey-like fragrance and attract beneficial insects.
        
        Light: Full sun to partial shade.
        
        Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
        
        Size: Low-growing annual or perennial, reaching up to 1 foot tall.
        
        Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
        
        Feeding: Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
        
        Flowering: Spring to fall.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

29. Angel’s Trumpet

1. 1. 1. 1. Why It’s Great: Angel’s trumpet offers large, fragrant flowers that release their scent in the evening, creating a magical ambiance.
        
        Light: Full sun to partial shade.
        
        Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
        
        Size: Large shrub or small tree.
        
        Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
        
        Feeding: Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
        
        Flowering: Summer to fall.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐

30. Night-Blooming Jasmine

1. 1. 1. 1. Why It’s Great: Night-blooming jasmine’s intoxicating fragrance fills the air after dusk, perfect for evening relaxation.
        
        Light: Full sun to partial shade.
        
        Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
        
        Size: Climbing vine or shrub.
        
        Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
        
        Feeding: Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
        
        Flowering: Summer to fall.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

31. Honeyscented Pelargonium

1. 1. 1. 1. Why It’s Great: Honeyscented pelargonium offers a honey-like fragrance and attractive foliage, making it a versatile addition to gardens.
        
        Light: Full sun to partial shade.
        
        Watering: Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
        
        Size: Compact shrub or trailing plant.
        
        Soil: Well-draining soil.
        
        Feeding: Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
        
        Flowering: Spring to fall.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

32. Catmint

1. 1. 1. 1. Why It’s Great: Catmint’s minty fragrance is calming to humans but irresistibly attractive to cats, making it a unique addition to gardens.
        
        Light: Full sun to partial shade.
        
        Watering: Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
        
        Size: Low-growing perennial herb.
        
        Soil: Well-draining, sandy soil.
        
        Feeding: Minimal feeding with a balanced fertilizer.
        
        Flowering: Summer.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

33. Lilac

1. 1. 1. 1. Why It’s Great: Lilac’s sweet, floral fragrance is synonymous with springtime and can fill entire gardens with its scent.
        
        Light: Full sun to partial shade.
        
        Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
        
        Size: Shrub or small tree.
        
        Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
        
        Feeding: Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
        
        Flowering: Spring.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

34. Mock Orange

1. 1. 1. 1. Why It’s Great: Mock orange offers fragrant white flowers reminiscent of orange blossoms, creating a citrusy aroma in the garden.
        
        Light: Full sun to partial shade.
        
        Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
        
        Size: Shrub or small tree.
        
        Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
        
        Feeding: Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
        
        Flowering: Late spring to early summer.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

35. Sweet Woodruff

1. 1. 1. 1. Why It’s Great: Sweet woodruff’s foliage emits a sweet, hay-like fragrance and is often used in potpourri and herbal remedies.
        
        Light: Partial to full shade.
        
        Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
        
        Size: Low-growing perennial ground cover.
        
        Soil: Moist, well-draining soil.
        
        Feeding: Minimal feeding with a balanced fertilizer.
        
        Flowering: Spring.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

36. Violet

1. 1. 1. 1. Why It’s Great: Violets offer delicate, sweet-scented flowers that bloom in various colors, adding charm to gardens and indoor spaces.
        
        Light: Partial shade to full shade.
        
        Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
        
        Size: Low-growing perennial.
        
        Soil: Rich, well-draining soil.
        
        Feeding: Minimal feeding with a balanced fertilizer.
        
        Flowering: Spring to summer.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

37. Tuberose

1. 1. 1. 1. Why It’s Great: Tuberose’s intense, exotic fragrance is often used in perfumery and can fill the air with its heady scent.
        
        Light: Full sun.
        
        Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
        
        Size: Herbaceous perennial, growing up to 3 feet tall.
        
        Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
        
        Feeding: Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
        
        Flowering: Summer to fall.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐

38. Carnation

1. 1. 1. 1. Why It’s Great: Carnation’s spicy, clove-like fragrance is long-lasting and adds elegance to floral arrangements and gardens.
        
        Light: Full sun to partial shade.
        
        Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
        
        Size: Herbaceous perennial, growing up to 2 feet tall.
        
        Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
        
        Feeding: Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
        
        Flowering: Late spring to summer.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

39. Gardenia

1. 1. 1. 1. Why It’s Great: Gardenia’s creamy-white flowers emit a rich, intoxicating fragrance synonymous with warm climates and tropical gardens.
        
        Light: Partial shade to full sun.
        
        Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
        
        Size: Shrub or small tree.
        
        Soil: Well-draining, acidic soil.
        
        Feeding: Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
        
        Flowering: Spring to summer.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐

40.Tulsi (Holy Basil)

1. 1. 1. 1. Why It’s Great: Tulsi’s sacred status in Hindu culture is accompanied by its spicy, clove-like fragrance and medicinal properties.
        
        Light: Full sun to partial shade.
        
        Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
        
        Size: Herbaceous perennial, growing up to 2 feet tall.
        
        Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
        
        Feeding: Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
        
        Flowering: Summer to fall.
        
        Ease of Growing Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

About Author
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Jonathan Holmes

Jonathan Holmes is an experienced and enthusiastic gardener who has been cultivating his green thumb for over 20 years. His love of gardening started in Scotland, where he gained a deep understanding of different plants and flowers, as well as the importance of soil composition, watering techniques, and sunlight exposure. After moving to Australia, Jonathan adapted his gardening skills to the different climate and growing conditions of his new home, experimenting with different plants and techniques to create sustainable and beautiful outdoor spaces. He is known among his friends and family for his impressive gardens and often shares his knowledge and tips with others who share his passion for gardening.

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