Fragrant plants for shade

I have a small area that is almost entirely in shade, maybe except for a couple of hours in the morning, it is close to my deck and swimming pool, and I want to plant something there that is fragrant. Any ideas or suggestions?

Are you looking for something big or small? Annual or perennial. My first thought would be some fragrant blooming Hosta or maybe an Aglaia odorata (in a pot) but it depends on what you are looking for.
Its just a quick thought I hate to see a thread with no responce!
Caren ;o)

This area is at the end of my deck and between a storage addition. Approximately 6'x4'. If there are fragrant perennials, that would be my first choice, then annuals. I have seen lily of the valley listed both for shade and for sun, so need to research that issue.

Any suggestion you have would be greatly appreciated.

We will be spending lots of time on the deck, as we have a new swimming pool and it is right off the deck. I have planted some fragrant dianthus for the spring/early summer, but need something for the following seasons.

I bought my Lily of the Valley from Flower Scent Gardens after doing some reserch on them I went with Bordeaux. Here is their description if it. Its a shame they are sold out but maybe another good site may have it.
Lily of the Valley "Bordeaux"
(Convallaria majalis) - Plant in part shade to full shade. Ht. 6”. Space 6” or less. Hardy Perennial from Zone 2 to 9. - This is a brand new plant from Europe and is considered a vast improved over the regular species with 15% larger, pure white, bell-shaped, extremely perfumed flowers that start blooming above the foliage instead of between the leaves. This variety also blooms more prolifically than the species in the spring so you will have lots of flowers for several weeks. The foliage is also darker green and larger than the species. Because the flower stems rise above the foliage you should have no problem picking numerous bouquets over the coming years.
Happy hunting!
Caren

I have fragrant hosta planted on the north side of my house,hosta var. "fragrant bouquet". Every August I get an unbelievable amount of fragrance from four plants. Think lily + citrus blossom. The flower spikes are three to four feet tall with at least a dozen flowers per. Blooming period lasts for two weeks, and the rest of the time I have very attractive lime green, topical-looking foliage.

I also have four o'clocks on that side of the house, which have a pleasant fragrance, and they absolutely thrive in the shade, and brighten that whole side of the house. They bloom heavy from late July through frost, and they reseed easily.

-Joe

joegee, I never knew that 4 oclocks were fragrant. But haven't had them for years. Thanks for the tips.

Heavinscent, I have lol to plant, don't know the species, but that was the first thing I bought.

Thanks everybody, I think I may have this small area mentally planted.

If you need any sweet woodruff, I can bring plenty to the RU. LMK Lou

dispatcher that would be great. Thanks, what can I bring you?

Bonnie,
I purchased 2 of the Bordeaux from Flower Scent Gardens this year...if they can be divided or produce offsets by next year I'd be happy to share with you.

Chantell, I have promises of many things, but will put this in my journal, as a potential trade next year.

Defoe, what have you planted so far? :)

-Joe

I have planted lily of the valley, four o'clocks,sweet woodruff, valerian, and dianthus. Of course I am sure that it won't be much this year, but I do have a start.

Ohhh Bonnie - sounds like it will smell heavenly!!!

I sure hope so.

I think it'll be lovely. :)

Anybody else have some suggestions for this area?

How about fragrant nicotiana?

-Joe

Oh, I had overlooked that. Thanks for reminding me.

Bonnie - 'fragrant cloud' is wonderful!! Have you thought about stock? I think they prefer (esp the larger ones) part shade. This is my first year having them (DD suggested it) the scent is wonderful!!

Also, Sweet William. I love Sweet William. :)

-Joe

Thanks, I am heading out to a nursery in the morning, and have a list of things to look for.

I just keep thinking about nicotiana...the tobacco plant....for some reason the purple ones always have a stronger fragrance I think....unless you get the original big white one....the best of all....If your summers aren't too hot and you can grow even the short stock, there is nothing better for fragrance.....or I would think those Sweet Williams would be sooo fragrant....carnations, too....the good ole homegrown ones from seed..

Have the nicotina, stock, sweet william, woodruff all planted, and waiting patiently, (tap, tap, tap) for them to grow and bloom.

I didn't read the entire thread.....good for you.....I love those plants mentioned...

Bonnie - my nicotina has lots of blooms on it already...I was told they were fast growers but this is amazing...as is the scent in the evenings...you're going to love it!!!

This message was edited May 25, 2007 10:53 PM

Thanks Chantell, I am anxiously awaiting the blooms.

Where can I get more information on fragrant hostas? I am new to the Fragrant Gardening forum but I was advised to see what it is like. I like it very much so far.

Thanks,

Chuck

There is a hosta forum, why don't you ask there? There are many knowledgeable folks who can steer you in the right direction.

Defoecat,

Thanks!! I had that in mind when I came to this forum, but I had been invited to go on this forum by someone that I really respect...probably because I have five cuttings of Night Blooming Jasmines successfully growing into new plants . Sorry about the confusion.

Thanks again,

Chuck

Usually post over in Texas or Roses, but I saw the thread under most recent. I have an 80% shade bed. Some fragrant choices would include cilantro (some don't like the scent) and crocus sativas (saffron). I really like the sweet woodruff suggestion. Helleboros (lenten rose) might work well??

Just did some quick research. Some of the helleborus are reported to have a faint sweet smell, while others are very fragrant. Here is a link to a more fragrant one.
http://www.hellebores.org/liguricus.html

I just bought a Florida Leucothoe, Smells of honey in early summer.
Lance

Chuck,
We're always happy to "see" a new face over here. Big ole welcome to you!!!

Do you know if the Florida Leucothe would survive and grow in zone 6? Sure sounds like an interesting plant.

A search of leucothoe In Plant Files yields several different species http://davesgarden.com/pf/adv_search.php?searcher%5Bcommon%5D=leucothoe&searcher%5Bfamily%5D=&searcher%5Bgenus%5D=&searcher%5Bspecies%5D=&searcher%5Bcultivar%5D=&searcher%5Bhybridizer%5D=&search_prefs%5Bsort_by%5D=rating&images_prefs=with&Search=Search , some of which seem to be hardy to zone 4a. :)

-Joe

I have to tell you that this plant (Florida Leucothoe) was not easy to find here. I never found any of the other varities. Most nursureies here that I check with have never carried it, some never even knew of it. I came to know of it by chance when I happened by one at a clients office while in bloom. The client had no idea what it was. I took pictures or it, a few cutting (none of which rooted) and began to try and identify it. I met some one who was at a Nursery in New Iberia LA who was a customer there (he once worked at Avery Island, a large Garden/Bird Sancuary where Tabasco Sauce is made, and a must see tour when in the area) He I.D. it for me and told me where I might find it. And as luck would have it, it was in Baton Rouge, 15 minutes from my house. The nursury did have it in stock and was quite proud of it to the tune of $79.99 for a 3 gal pot and a not to attractive shrub. I negotiated a 50% mark down (so proud) and made it mine. Have not put it in the ground yet. Planning a fall planting.
Lance

Yeah YOU - 50% off!!! Gotta love a good deal!! Not to mention so close to your home!!

How about some violas for the shady area? My personal favorite is "Queen Charolotte", which blooms in the spring. I put 3 plants in last year from Blue Stone Perennials and after smelling them I ordered a dozen more for this spring. Of course, with my newfound enjoyment of violas I had to try " Royal Robe", "Dancing Geisha", and "White Czar" this spring as well. I can't tell you how fragrant the last 3 are since they haven't bloomed yet. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for mentioning the fragrant hosta "Fragrant Bouquet". I will keep an eye out for it.

I don't believe that anyone mentioned Daphne, 'Carol Mackie'. She has such a delicious fragrance.