Houseplants are known for their aesthetic appeal, but they manage to be so much more than just a pretty sight. For example, species with flowers and herbs with fragrant qualities can enhance our lives by leaving our spaces smelling pleasant and inviting. And some can even be used to add flavor and intensity to the foods we eat.
1. Jasmine
Jasmine’s rich scent makes it a choice for everything from tea to scented candles. There are about 200 different species of shrubs and vines, but not all of them have a scent.
Once your flowers are in bloom, be sure to prune or train the branches as they tend to spread out. Jasmine is fairly easy to grow, but it does best with plenty of water and sunlight. See how to grow here!
2. Lavender
The scent of lavender is known for its calming effect and year-round fragrance. These plants are low maintenance, so any place that does not have excessive humidity is suitable for them. The stems can be trimmed after the seedling has flowered to promote new growth. See how to grow here!
3. calamondin
Calamondin has a subtle smell. It thrives in well-lit areas and can be moved outdoors on warm, sunny days. This dwarf variety blooms year-round and does well in containers.
Once its delicate white flowers fall, a tiny orange grows from the bud. The fruit is edible for humans. Proper watering is essential: don’t overwater it, but don’t let it dry either, as this will cause its leaves to drop.
4. Eucalyptus
With its woody and refreshing fragrance, this plant comes in over 700 different species. In the wild, they can grow up to 9 m tall, but indoors they do well in spacious, sunny areas. They are drought tolerant, so let the branch dry out completely between waterings and make sure there are plenty of holes in the pot for drainage.
5. Spearmint
A fresh-smelling perennial, mint is fast-growing and low-maintenance. The most common garden mint is spearmint, but you can also find varieties such as mentha suaveolens and peppermint.
You’ll need to prune it regularly, keep it in partial shade, and allow the soil to remain slightly damp. The leaves can be used in many ways, fresh or dried.
Attention: toxic to dogs and cats.
6. Rosemary
O rosemary it has a distinct spicy smell, is a healthy, robust plant that grows abundantly – as long as you protect it from areas with drafts. Prune from time to time and don’t overwater, you can basically leave it alone.
It can be enjoyed for its fragrance or used as a seasoning in countless dishes. If planted in warm conditions, it blooms all year round. see others herbs you can grow in your vegetable garden here!
7. Geraniums (Pelargonium graveolens)
Geranium is a species that has a mild, earthy scent that won’t overwhelm a room. Different varieties have different smells and colors. They look beautiful in any vase and only require a sunlit windowsill in return. Remove any dead or wilted parts to allow for new growth. Both the leaves and flowers are edible for humans. See all about the flower here!
Attention: toxic to dogs and cats.
8. Jasmine gardenia
This evergreen shrub has elegant white flowers and a mild jasmine-like scent. Even when grown outdoors, getting the right balance of sun, water and temperature to see them thrive can be challenging.
They don’t do well if they’re moved around a lot, so choose a location, preferably with some moisture, and keep them there for the duration. Keep an eye out for leaf pests and remove any blooms that turn brown.
Attention: toxic to dogs and cats.
9. hyacinth
For such a fragile flower, the scent of a hyacinth can be quite intense. To plant them indoors, you must first “force” them from the bulbs. Line a shallow container with water and rocks and keep them in the dark for several months. When the roots take hold, place them in partial to full sun. Along with thin green stems, bright and colorful flowers grow about 30 cm high.
10. Mini rose
There are hundreds of miniature rose varieties, but aromatic hybrids top the list when it comes to fragrant splendor. Mini roses bloom several times a year, as long as they are pruned and have plenty of sun. Climbing types may require an internal trellis.
Make sure the soil is slightly acidic and rich in nutrients. While they work well in containers and pots, they do best as “temporary” houseplants. For optimal growth and flowering power, take them outdoors after enjoying them indoors. Keep in mind that these roses have thorns, which can be a problem for small children or pets.
11. Lemongrass
Lemon balm makes a bright, fragrant addition to your home. Popular for its built-in insect repellent, citronellal, you can rub the leaves on your skin and take the scent with you.
As long as it has at least five hours of sunlight, the species easily grows into thick clumps with minimal care and fertilization. In warmer seasons it can be moved outside where it will attract bees and repel insects.
12. Jasmine-mango
With a tropical fragrance that certainly conjures up images of life on its home island of Hawaii, the type is a tall, lean tree that does not tolerate the cold. Place it in a location with light facing north or south. Misting its leaves and controlling humidity makes it go the distance.
In the colder months, reduce watering and leave it dormant. The flowers, which can be pink, yellow or white, are beautiful when used in making necklaces or as an edible garnish.
13. Broadleaf basil
Growing basil indoors will make any space smell like a working restaurant. Its large, lush, green leaves can be harvested for culinary dishes ranging from soups to sauces, pizzas and salads.
Other varieties include Thai basil, lemon and cinnamon. Water regularly and ensure your seedling gets full morning sun without too much heat. Once it blooms, it loses its flavor and starts to die, so continue to pick the leaves frequently.
14. Sweet olive (Osmanthus fragrans)
Sweet olives come in around 15 different species and their fruity smell has been compared to peaches and apricots. This particular species is the most fragrant of all and blooms twice a year. It’s important to water slowly, making sure the soil stays well drained.
They require no pruning and do well as low maintenance container trees. Leave at least four hours of direct sun.
15. Narcissus pseudonarcissus
With their vanilla scent and cheerful colors, daffodils represent the essence of spring. A member of the amaryllis family, there are over 13,000 types.
For indoor growing, your bulbs should be left in a dark, cool place before they root and grow. Narcissus flowers last for several weeks, but once they fall, they don’t bloom again.
*Via tree hugger