30 Best Smelling Flowers To Freshen Up Your Day

There’s something undeniably uplifting about the smell of flowers. Their captivating scents can set the mood, relax the mind, and bring a touch of nature’s beauty into our lives. Whether you’re looking to create a serene garden retreat or simply freshen up your living space, the right choice of flowers can make all the difference

Some flowers are celebrated not just for their stunning looks but for their unmistakable, lingering fragrances. From the crisp, sweet smell of jasmine to the sleep-luring scent of lavender, we’ve curated a list of the 30 best-smelling flowers to inspire you. 

Alongside descriptions of their most fragrant flowers, you’ll also find helpful tips on their growth and care, making it easier to determine what flowers smell the best for your needs!

1. Rose

Roses are the most iconic fragrant flower. Depending on the type, their scents can vary widely, from sweet and floral to rich and spicy. Damask Roses are famous for their strong, sweet fragrance, while Hybrid Tea Roses often have a classic aroma that many people love. These flowers are beautiful and bring a lovely scent to any garden or home.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to grow well
• Watering: Keep the soil moist, but ensure the soil doesn’t get soggy.
• Soil: They grow best in nutrient-rich soil, drain well, and are slightly acidic.

To keep them healthy, prune them regularly by cutting off dead or weak branches. Fertilising during the growing season will help your roses bloom beautifully. With some care, roses will fill your garden with beauty and fantastic scent.

2. Jasmine

Jasmine is universally loved for its sweet and powerful scent, especially in the evening. Its small, star-shaped flowers look beautiful and fill the air with their rich fragrance. Popular types include Arabian Jasmine, known for its classic white blooms, and Star Jasmine, which is excellent for climbing walls, fences, or trellises. Jasmine adds a special charm to any garden or outdoor space.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Grows best in full to partial sunlight.
• Watering: Water regularly, but let the soil dry a little between waterings.
• Soil: Needs soil that drains well and is rich in nutrients.

Jasmine is easy to care for, but pruning it occasionally will keep it neat and help it bloom more. If you live in a cold area, you can grow jasmine in a pot and bring it indoors in winter.

3. Lavender

Lavender is known for its calming and refreshing scent, making it a favourite for relaxation and aromatherapy. Its soft purple flowers look lovely and attract bees and butterflies to your garden. Lavender is a tough plant from the Mediterranean, so it’s great for sunny spots and doesn’t need much water once it’s grown.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Needs full sunlight to thrive.
• Watering: Water sparingly; it can handle dry conditions once established.
• Soil: Grows best in sandy soil that drains well and is slightly alkaline.

Lavender is easy to care for. Prune it after it flowers to keep it neat and help it grow better next season. If you’re growing lavender in pots, you can move them indoors during cold winters to protect the plant. 

4. Gardenia

Gardenias are known for their creamy white flowers and rich, sweet scent, which many people adore. Their fragrance is bold and memorable, often lovely and sultry. These flowers are popular for tropical gardens and are frequently used in bouquets and perfumes. Gardenias bring elegance to any garden or home with their shiny green leaves and beautiful blooms.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Needs partial to full sunlight but should have some shade during the hottest part of the day.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but prevent waterlogging.
• Soil: Grows best in acidic soil that drains well and has added organic matter like compost.

To keep gardenias happy, ensure the soil stays damp but not waterlogged. Prune them after they finish blooming to keep them neat and healthy.

5. Lily of the Valley

Lily of the Valley is a small but mighty flower. Its tiny, bell-shaped blooms give off a strong, sweet smell with a hint of citrus. These flowers are often linked to purity and fresh starts, making them a popular wedding choice. They grow low to the ground and are perfect for adding beauty and fragrance to shady spots in the garden.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Grows best in partial to full shade, making it great for areas with less sunlight.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• Soil: Likes rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic material.

Lily of the Valley spreads naturally, creating a lovely ground cover. Add compost to the soil to give it extra nutrients and water regularly, especially during dry spells. 

6. Sweet Pea

Sweet peas are well-loved for their soft, sweet scent that feels light and refreshing. These flowers come in pretty pastel shades like pink, purple, and white, making them a beautiful addition to any garden. Sweet peas are climbers, so they look great growing up on trellises, fences, or even in pots with some support. 

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: It needs plenty of sunlight to grow well.
• Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil moist.
• Soil: Grows best in rich, well-drained soil.

Sweet peas love to climb, so give them something to grow on, like a trellis or fence. Remove any faded flowers to keep them blooming for longer and prevent them from going to seed. 

7. Hyacinth

Hyacinths are loved for their bright colours and strong, sweet, and slightly spicy scent that can fill a whole room. These flowers bloom in beautiful shades like purple, pink, blue, white, and yellow, making them perfect for adding colour and fragrance to spring gardens. Their neat, cone-shaped flower clusters look great in flower beds, pots, or even indoors. Hyacinths are a cheerful addition to any space.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: They grow best in full sunlight but can also handle partial shade.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist while the plant grows, but don’t overwater.
• Soil: They like sandy soil that drains well to avoid soggy roots.

To keep the bulbs healthy, the soil should not stay too wet during winter. Once the flowers fade, leave the leaves to dry naturally so the bulbs have enough energy for next year’s blooms. 

8. Peony

Peonies are loved for their soft, sweet scent, which can vary depending on the type. Some have a light, fresh, citrusy fragrance, while others smell rich and rosy. Their big, fluffy blooms come in pink, white, red, and yellow, making them a favourite in gardens and wedding bouquets. Peonies are beautiful and bring a touch of elegance and a lovely fragrance to any space.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: They grow best in full sunlight but can handle a little shade.
• Watering: Water regularly to moisten the soil, especially during dry weather.
• Soil: Peonies like soil that drains well and is rich in nutrients.

Always plant them in a sunny spot with good airflow. Do not plant them too deep, as this can prevent them from blooming. After the flowers fade, cut off the old blooms to keep the plant looking neat.

9. Tuberose

Tuberose is loved for its rich, sweet, and exotic scent, often used in perfumes. Its strong and long-lasting fragrance makes it a favourite for those who enjoy flowers with a bold aroma. The white, elegant flowers bloom at night, making them perfect for moonlit gardens where their scent stands out even more. Tuberose also looks lovely in bouquets and arrangements, adding beauty and a touch of luxury.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Needs plenty of full sunlight to grow well.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist with regular watering, but don’t let it get soggy.
• Soil: Grows best in rich soil that drains well.

To help the plant thrive, add organic material or compost to the soil. To guarantee beautiful blooms, regularly feed the plant while it is still budding.

10. Freesia

Freesias are loved for their light, citrusy fragrance that is both fresh and uplifting. Their trumpet-shaped blooms come in bright colours like yellow, pink, red and white, making them a beautiful addition to any space. Whether you grow them in your garden or use them for indoor decor, freesias add charm and a refreshing scent. They’re also popular for weddings and events because of their elegant look and sweet smell.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: They grow best in full sunlight but can also do well in partial shade.
• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially while the plant is growing.
• Soil: Freesias like sandy or loamy soil that drains well.

Freesias are easy to grow; just ensure they have good airflow to prevent diseases and remove old flowers to encourage new blooms. 

11. Plumeria (Frangipani)

Plumerias are loved for their sweet, tropical fragrance, which reminds you of warm beaches and island getaways. Their waxy flowers come in bright colours like white, pink, yellow, and red, often with a colourful centre. These beautiful blooms are popular in Hawaiian leis and are perfect for adding a tropical touch to your garden or patio.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Needs plenty of full sunlight to thrive.
• Watering: Water deeply, but let the soil dry out before watering again.
• Soil: Grows best in sandy soil that drains well.

If you live in a cooler area, plant them in pots to move them indoors. Prune them to keep the plant healthy and neat, and feed them during the growing season for more flowers. 

12. Stock

Stock flowers are loved for their warm, clove-like scent that adds a cosy and unique fragrance to gardens and bouquets. These tall flowers come in various beautiful colours, like pink, purple, white, and yellow, making them a great choice for flower beds and floral arrangements. They are also perfect as cut flowers, bringing their lovely aroma into your home.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Needs full sunlight to grow well.
• Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not too wet.
• Soil: Grows best in fertile soil that drains well.

Adding compost to the soil before planting helps them grow strong and healthy. Remove old flowers as they fade to keep them blooming. 

13. Magnolia

Magnolias are known for their large, beautiful flowers and sweet, citrus-like scent, which can make any garden feel fresh and elegant. Their blooms come in lovely shades like white, pink, or creamy yellow, and their glossy green leaves add to their charm. Magnolias are often seen as a symbol of grace, making them popular for gardens and yards.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: They grow best in full sunlight but can also do well in partial shade.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist regularly, but don’t let it get too soggy.
• Soil: They like well-drained, slightly acidic soil with plenty of organic matter.

Adding mulch around the base helps keep the soil moist and the roots cool. Prune them after flowering to keep their shape and remove dead branches. Fertilise in early spring to encourage healthy growth and flowers. 

14. Lilac

Lilacs are loved for their strong, sweet smell that tells you spring has arrived. Their flowers bloom in clusters and come in beautiful colours like purple, pink, white, and lavender. Lilacs brighten your garden and fill the air with a lovely fragrance that many people treasure. They’re also a great choice for bouquets, adding both beauty and a fresh scent to your home.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Lilacs need full sunlight, so plant them where they’ll get at least 6 hours of sun daily.
• Watering: Water deeply, but let the soil dry out between waterings.
• Soil: They grow best in soil that is rich, well-drained, and full of nutrients.

Once established, lilacs don’t need much fuss. Pruning them after they bloom helps them keep their shape and encourages more flowers. Adding mulch around the base helps the soil stay moist and keeps weeds away.

15. Wisteria

Wisteria is a gorgeous plant known for its long, hanging clusters of flowers in shades of violet or white. These flowers have a sweet, grape-like scent that can fill your garden with a refreshing fragrance. Wisteria is often grown over pergolas, fences, or walls, creating a stunning and elegant look in full bloom. Its beauty and sweet scent make it a favourite for many gardeners.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Wisteria needs sunlight to bloom properly, so plant it in a sunny spot.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist regularly, but don’t let it get too wet.
• Soil: Grows best in rich, well-drained, and fertile soil.

Wisteria may take a few years to bloom, but it’s worth the wait once it does. Prune it regularly to keep it under control and encourage more flowers. Plant it near a sturdy structure like a fence or pergola to support its climbing vines. 

16. Orange Blossom

Orange blossoms are small, white flowers with a fresh, sweet scent that can brighten any space. They grow on orange trees and are most fragrant in the spring, filling the air with their lovely aroma. Their scent is so popular that it’s often used in perfumes and wedding bouquets, symbolising purity and happiness. Besides their delightful fragrance, orange blossoms add beauty to gardens with their delicate flowers and shiny green leaves.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Needs full sunlight, so plant them in a sunny spot.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• Soil: They grow best in sandy, well-drained soil.

Orange trees require fertilising during the growing season to help the flowers and fruit grow strong. Prune the tree to keep it healthy and remove any dead branches. Adding mulch around the base helps the soil stay moist and cool. 

17. Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle vines are loved for their sweet, nectar-like scent, which fills the air and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These pretty flowers come in white, yellow, pink, and red, making them a colourful addition to your garden. Honeysuckle grows quickly and is perfect for covering fences, walls, or trellises.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Grows best in full sunlight but can also handle partial shade.
• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry weather, to keep the soil moist.
• Soil: Likes moist, well-drained soil.

Honeysuckle is a crawler, so give it a trellis or fence to climb. Pruning it after it flowers will keep it neat and healthy. Adding mulch around the base will help the soil stay moist and keep weeds away. 

18. Sweet Alyssum

Sweet Alyssum is a small, low-growing plant with tiny flowers that create a soft, colourful carpet. These flowers come in shades of white, purple, and pink; their scent is sweet and honey-like. Sweet Alyssum is perfect for filling in garden borders, planting in pots, or even spilling over the sides of hanging baskets. Its light fragrance attracts bees and butterflies, making it a lovely addition to any garden.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Grows well in full sunlight but can also do fine in partial shade.
• Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil slightly moist.
• Soil: Prefers soil that drains well.

Sweet Alyssum is easy to grow and doesn’t need much attention. It blooms best in cooler weather, making it great for spring and fall gardens.

19. Carnation

Carnations are loved for their spicy, clove-like fragrance and are popular for bouquets and floral arrangements. These flowers come in many colours, including red, pink, white, yellow, and even striped or two-toned varieties. Carnations are often used for special occasions because they last a long time, and their scent adds a warm and cheerful touch. Their sturdy stems and pretty blooms make them easy to work with, whether in gardens or as cut flowers.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Carnations need full sunlight, so plant them in a bright, sunny spot.
• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but don’t overwater to avoid harming the roots.
• Soil: They grow best in rich soil, drain well, and have some organic matter.

Carnations are perfect for gardeners of any level. Remove old flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and keep the plant looking neat. Adding compost or a light fertiliser during the growing season helps them grow strong and produce colourful flowers. 

20. Daffodil

Daffodils are a bright and cheerful sign that spring has arrived. Their yellow or white trumpet-shaped flowers bring a pop of colour to gardens, making them a favourite for flower beds, borders, and lawns. They also have a light, fresh floral scent that adds a soft fragrance. Daffodils are easy to grow and a great choice for anyone who wants to brighten their garden after winter.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: They grow best in full sunlight but can handle some partial shade.
• Watering: Water deeply, then let the soil dry out before watering again.
• Soil: They like well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

Daffodils are low-maintenance and easy to care for. If the flowers fade, leave the leaves to dry naturally so the bulbs get the nutrients they need for next year. 

21. Narcissus

Narcissus flowers, closely related to daffodils, are loved for their sweet, musky fragrance and delicate beauty. They bloom in early spring, adding a cheerful touch to gardens with yellow or white flowers and often contrasting centres. Narcissus is perfect for borders, flower beds, or even indoor vases, making it a popular choice for its graceful look and lovely scent.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Grows best in full sunlight but can also handle some light shade.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist while the plants grow, but don’t overwater.
• Soil: Prefers soil that drains well and is rich in nutrients.

Add compost to the soil before planting, which helps them grow stronger and healthier. Once the flowers fade, leave the leaves to dry out naturally so the bulbs get the energy they need for next year. 

22. Night-Blooming Jasmine

Night-blooming jasmine is loved for its strong, sweet scent filling the evening air. Its small, white flowers release their fragrance at night, perfecting moonlit gardens or relaxing outdoor spaces.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Grows best in full sunlight but can also do well in partial shade.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not too wet.
• Soil: Needs soil that drains well and is rich in nutrients.

Night-blooming jasmine is easy to grow and doesn’t need much work. It grows quickly, so you can prune it to keep its size and shape. Plant it near patios, windows, or pathways to enjoy its evening scent. 

23. Cherry Blossom

Cherry blossoms are loved for their delicate, sweet fragrance and their stunning pink and white flowers that bloom in spring. These beautiful blooms symbolise renewal and are celebrated worldwide for their beauty. When cherry trees bloom, they create a magical scene that brightens up any garden or park, making them a favourite choice for spring planting.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Cherry blossom trees need full sunlight, so plant them in a bright, open spot.
• Watering: Water deeply during the growing season, but once the tree is established, you can water less often.
• Soil: They grow best in loamy soil that drains well but holds some moisture.

Once they’re settled, add compost or mulch around the base to keep the soil healthy and moist. Prune them after blooming to maintain their shape and remove weak branches.

24. Heliotrope

Heliotropes are loved for their sweet, vanilla-like scent that makes any garden smell warm and inviting. Their small, purple or violet flowers grow in tight clusters, creating a beautiful and colourful display. These flowers attract bees and butterflies, making them perfect for a garden full of life. Heliotropes are a wonderful choice for borders, pots, or flower beds, adding fragrance and charm to your outdoor space.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Heliotropes grow best in full sunlight but can also do well in partial shade, especially in hot areas.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist, but ensure it drains well to avoid soggy roots.
• Soil: They like rich, well-draining soil with plenty of nutrients.

Heliotropes are easy to care for as long you remove old flowers to encourage new blooms and keep the plant looking neat.

25. Marigold (Tagetes)

Marigolds are loved for their earthy, refreshing scent and bright, cheerful flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They are beautiful and very practical, as they naturally repel pests, making them a great choice for gardens with vegetables or other flowers. Marigolds are easy to grow and add colour and usefulness to any garden.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Marigolds grow best in full sunlight, so plant them in a sunny spot.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist regularly, but don’t let it get too soggy.
• Soil: They prefer soil that drains well and has some nutrients.

Marigolds don’t need overly rich soil, but adding some compost can help them thrive. Their ability to keep pests away makes them perfect for planting alongside vegetables like tomatoes. 

26. Garden Phlox

Garden Phlox is known for its sweet, spicy scent. It fills the air with a refreshing aroma that attracts pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. These flowers are a great addition to garden borders and beds or as a standalone feature, bringing both colour and fragrance to outdoor spaces.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Garden Phlox thrives in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
• Watering: Water regularly to moisten the soil, especially during dry periods.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter.

Garden Phlox is relatively easy to grow and perfect for gardeners of all levels. Deadheading the spent flowers encourages new blooms and keeps the plant looking neat. 

27. Chocolate Cosmos

This rare flower is loved for its amazing chocolate-like scent, making it a special addition to any garden. Its rich and warm fragrance smells like cocoa, making it stand out from other flowers. Along with its unique scent, this plant has beautiful blooms that add colour and charm to your garden. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for something different and delightful.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Grows best in full sunlight but can also handle partial shade.
• Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil slightly moist, but don’t let it get too wet.
• Soil: Likes soil that is fertile and drains well.

Chocolate-scented flowers are easy to grow and require little work. Adding compost to the soil before planting helps them grow strong and healthy. Place them near a patio, path, or window to enjoy their sweet, cocoa-like scent.

28. Mock Orange

Mock orange flowers are loved for their strong, sweet citrus scent, which resembles orange blossoms. Their clusters of white, star-shaped flowers bloom in late spring or early summer, adding beauty and fragrance to gardens. Mock orange is a great choice for hedges, borders, or as a feature plant in your yard. It’s a simple way to add charm and a fresh scent to your outdoor space.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Grows best in full sunlight but can handle partial shade.
• Watering: Water regularly during the growing season to keep the soil moist.
• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-draining soil with plenty of nutrients.

Mock orange is easy to care for and perfect for all kinds of gardens. Prune it after it blooms to keep its shape and help it grow better next season. Adding mulch around the base will keep the soil moist and reduce weeds. 

29. Angel’s Trumpet

Angel’s Trumpet is a beautiful plant with large, trumpet-shaped flowers hanging like bells. These flowers have a sweet, exotic scent that strengthens when they open up in the evening. They come in colours like white, yellow, pink, and orange, making them a striking addition to any garden. Angel’s Trumpet is perfect for creating a tropical look and adds a magical feel to patios or outdoor spaces.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Grows best in full sunlight but can handle partial shade in hotter areas.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist, but don’t get soggy.
• Soil: Likes fertile, well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients.

Angel’s Trumpet grows well in warm climates but can be planted in pots and brought indoors during colder months. While it’s a stunning plant, remember that all parts are toxic, so keep it out of the reach of children and pets. 

30. Stephanotis

Stephanotis, also known as the "wedding flower," is loved for its sweet, floral scent and delicate, waxy white blooms. These small flowers are popular for wedding bouquets and decorations because of their timeless beauty and romantic fragrance. Stephanotis grows on vines, making it perfect for trellises, pots, or as a houseplant where you can enjoy its lovely scent.

Growth and Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Stephanotis likes bright, indirect sunlight, so place it near a sunny window or shaded outdoor spot.
• Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• Soil: It grows best in well-draining, slightly acidic soil.

Stephanotis needs a little care to stay happy. Provide it with support like a trellis or a pole so it can climb as it grows. Feed it with fertiliser during the growing season to help it bloom. It prefers warm, humid conditions, so keep it away from cold drafts or frost.

Conclusion On The Best Smelling Flowers

Flowers have a way of brightening up our spaces and lifting our spirits. Whether you’re drawn to the sweet scent of gardenias, the tropical aroma of frangipani, or the fresh fragrance of roses, there’s always a bloom to match your mood. 

At The Daily Blooms, you’ll find stunning arrangements of the freshest flowers delivered right to your door. Perfect for celebrating special moments or adding a touch of nature to your home, their handpicked bouquets are designed to make every day extraordinary.

Discover the beauty of flowers and let Daily Blooms bring joy, colour, and fragrance to your life. Visit their beautiful selection of flowers and make your day bloom brighter!

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Smelling Flowers

What Are The Easiest Fragrant Flowers To Grow?

Lavender, marigolds, and sweet Alyssum are beginner-friendly, requiring minimal care while offering delightful fragrances.

What Are The Best Smelling Flowers For Small Spaces?

Flowers like jasmine, gardenias, and sweet Alyssum are perfect for small spaces due to their compact size and strong fragrance that fills the area without overwhelming it.

Are There Any Fragrant Flowers That Repel Pests?

Yes. Marigolds and Lavender smell great and naturally repel pests like mosquitoes and aphids, making them great for gardens.

Is It Safe To Have Fragrant Flowers Around Pets?

Not all fragrant flowers are pet-friendly. Lilies and Angel’s Trumpet are toxic to pets, so always check the plant's safety before adding it to your home.

Is It Expensive To Start Growing Fragrant Flowers?

Not at all. Many fragrant flowers, such as Marigolds and Daffodils, are affordable and can be started from seeds or bulbs.

How Do I Prevent My Fragrant Flowers From Wilting?

Ensure they have enough water, proper sunlight, and well-drained soil to keep them healthy and vibrant.