Fragrant Garden Plants

Published on September 15, 2025

How wonderful it is that humans are biologically programmed to appreciate flowers. Fragrant flowers may seem like botanical gifts but are an important part of the complex and sophisticated strategies that plants use to lure pollinators. The range of scents is enormous, from carrion and sweat to fine chocolate and freshly cut fruit. Planting fragrant tropical flowers pleases our senses and adds to the beauty of gardens in our unique part of the world. 

The following suggestions of attractive flowers and varied fragrances include plants for every sort of garden. Not included are roses, which can require high-maintenance and are not well-suited to the South Florida environment.

• Gardenias: These shrubs produce white or yellow blossoms, with the most fragrant being white flowered varieties cultivated for centuries. They need warmth, moisture, and acidic soil—conditions hard to maintain in South Florida. Try growing them in pots or choose grafted varieties bred for local soils. Gardenia taitensis (“Tahitian Gardenia”) tolerates alkaline soil better.

• Brunfelsia: Brunfelsia lactea (“Princess of the Night”) and B. nitida (“Lady of the Night”) are lanky but fragrant shrubs that bloom mainly in warm months. Their spicy tropical scent can carry far on still evenings.

• Frangipani (Plumeria): These small tropical trees produce colorful, fragrant flowers with scents like mango, citrus, and coco-butter. Native to dry climates, they should not be watered during South Florida’s dry season.

• Joewood (Jacquinia keyensis): A rare native shrub or small tree with waxy, fragrant flowers, blooming mostly from spring to fall. It’s slow-growing, salt-tolerant, and thrives in sunny, sandy spots with excellent drainage.

• Betel Nut Palm (Areca catechu): A tall, tropical palm with richly scented flowers. It loves warmth and moisture. Dwarf varieties like “Stumpy” are available and all feature the same sweet fragrance.