There are two things that people most often request when I talk about plant selection for a landscaping project — blooms and good-smelling ones at that!

There are many great options to choose from that satisfy both of those requests. Here’s a list of some of our favorites that do well in East Tennessee:

1. Summersweet Clethra

This deciduous shrub produces spike-shaped flowers in late summer. Fitting of its name, Summersweet Clethra’s blooms produce a sweet smell that is reminiscent of honeysuckle. It will grow well in almost any exposure although cold and snowy winters can be tough. Some people will rip these out in early spring thinking that the plant has succumbed to the winter cold, but be patient and wait for it to leaf out in late spring. A popular variety in this area is Ruby Spice Clethera. I love it for its pink and yellow flowers. Overall, Summersweet Clethra is available in a couple different colors and sizes.

2. Gardenia

This evergreen shrub produces a flower with a classic fragrance that is known by many. Being in the Knoxville, Tenn. area, we’re at this plant’s northern-most hardiness zone so it does marginally well here. As we learned this past winter from the unusual sub-freezing temperatures, Gardenia is very susceptible to extreme cold and snow. I recommend incorporating this plant in your landscaping through use as a potted plant. By potting it, you can control the environment and bring it inside when it’s too cold.

There are two varieties in this area — Frost-Proof Gardenia which has narrow, pointy leaves and blooms with slender petals or Kleim’s Hardy which is considered the classic Gardenia by most with its large glossy leaves and full flowers. Either variety can be planted in mostly sunny locations.

3. Lilac

Although not all Lilac do well in this area, we’ve used one called Miss Kim Lilac that seems to thrive. Miss Kim Lilac is a dwarf variety that grows up to four feet tall. It blooms in early spring with bloom color options of purple, lavender or white. This plant likes partial sun and shade but will flower best in full sun. Lilac is a classic plant so I often recommend it for clients who live in historic areas or homes.

Any of these or other fragrant plants are a great addition to your landscaping. I offer a word of caution, though, as any plant with a fragrant bloom will attract not only hummingbirds but also bees and other things that buzz.

While bees and the like are a much-needed part of our ecosystem, it’s often best to not purposefully attract them to areas that are often used for relaxing or entertaining as they can be bothersome for some.

If you need help choosing the right location for these or other plants, contact us for an hourly consultation or let use help put together a full landscape design for your outdoor space. Fill out our contact form or call us at 865-765-5550.