Lance Carson
Houseplants are a great way to add beauty to any room, and some also offer wonderful aromas with their leaves or flowers. From sweet and flowery to warm and spicy, these small fragrant houseplants will fill your home with pleasant scents.
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Sweet basil
To ensure a long-term harvest and a healthy plant, it is important to regularly snip the basil segments and pinch off the leaves to promote bushier growth. The flowers and seeds of the plant are edible, but the flowers should be cut as soon as they appear, as the flavour of the leaves will diminish.
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Greek basil
The herb has a long history in Greek culture and is considered sacred. According to legend, Saint Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, brought basil to Greece from India. The story goes that she stepped on a basil plant during her quest for the buried Holy Cross and was so taken by its aroma that she had her servants dig on the spot, where they found the true cross. She named the plant "vassilikos", which means "king" or "flower of royalty".
The fragrance of Greek basil is described as fresh and herbaceous, with slightly spicy and aniseed notes. Its essential oils are commonly used in perfumery and cosmetics, often combined with other olfactory notes such as mint, rosemary, bergamot, lemon, or verbena to create revitalising scents. Basil fragrances are particularly popular during the summer months, offering a light and refreshing alternative to heavier fragrances.
In addition to its aromatic qualities, Greek basil is also known for its health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties and is commonly used in infusions and herbal teas to relieve stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Basil is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it ideal for strengthening the body and preventing disease.
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Arabian jasmine
To grow Arabian jasmine, use a loose, loamy soil that drains well while holding moisture. Amend the planting beds with compost before planting to add nutrients and increase moisture retention. Ensure that the potting mix used for container plantings contains enough perlite for drainage. It can be grown in pots or in the ground, depending on your growing zone. In zones 8 and below, plants must be overwintered indoors, so they are suited for pot cultivation. In zones 9 to 11, plants may be grown in the ground or in containers.
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Scented pelargoniums
There are dozens of varieties of scented pelargoniums, with some of the most popular scents including chocolate, rose, cinnamon, mint, apple, and lemon. For example, Pelargonium 'Chocolate Mint' has a yummy scent, with round leaves that have a dark centre, while Pelargonium 'Citrosa' has a strong citronella scent. Pelargonium 'Mrs. Taylor' and Pelargonium 'Apricot' are other examples of scented pelargoniums, offering a sweet fragrance.
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Chocolate mint
In addition to chocolate mint, several other small houseplants are known for their fragrance. These include basil, with its familiar fragrance, and calamondin, a miniature orange tree with a fresh and citrusy aroma. For those who enjoy the scent of chocolate, the Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance' orchid has a distinct chocolate scent, while the oncidium orchid offers a range of fragrances and bloom colours. Arabian jasmine is another option, with starry, pure-white flowers that produce a soft, flowery scent, and plumeria flowers are often used in Hawaiian leis due to their strong, sweet fragrance.
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Frequently asked questions
Many small houseplants have a pleasant fragrance. Here are some of the best options:
- Sweet basil, which smells like a working restaurant.
- Greek basil, which has tiny, aromatic leaves.
- Arabian jasmine, which has a sweet jasmine scent.
- Tea olive trees, which smell like peaches and apricots.
- Scented pelargoniums, which have fragrant leaves.
Some larger houseplants that have a strong fragrance include:
- Plumeria flowers, which have a strong, sweet scent.
- Oncidium orchids, which have a range of fragrances, from chocolate to herbal.
- Citrofortunella mitis, which has a sweet, orange blossom fragrance.
- Gardenia, which has inspired many perfumes.
- Angel's trumpet, which is spectacular when in full bloom.
Yes, several fragrant houseplants are non-toxic to cats and dogs, including:
- Sweet basil.
- Lemon balm, which has a bright, clean scent and works as a bug repellent.
- Paper-white narcissi, which are in the daffodil family.
- Stephanotis floribunda, which has a jasmine-like fragrance.
- Orange jessamine, which has fragrant flowers and leaves.
Some easy-to-grow houseplants with a pleasant fragrance include:
- Calamondin, a miniature orange tree with fragrant flowers.
- Rosemary, which has a spicy fragrance and can be used as a seasoning herb.
- Chinese jasmine, a climber that does well in a conservatory or large, well-lit bathroom.
- Eucalyptus, which provides year-round fragrance from its foliage.
- Spearmint, which is part of the mint family and has a distinct smell.
Yes, fragrant houseplants can also be used for cooking and aromatherapy. For example, basil can be used in a variety of dishes, and lemon balm can be rubbed on the skin as a natural bug repellent.
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