More Fragrant Plants

Aquatic Lotus Nelumbo nucifera This plant originated from China.  They have been hyridized over the years to many colors and sizes.  There are the the extremely miniature varities, commonly known as the bowl lotus because they can literally be planted in a small bowl.  There are the small. medium and larger (standard) varities also.  The flowers are fragrant.  They range in color from white to yellow to pink and red or combinations.  Even the large varieties can be grown in water-tight containers. Lotus does best in areas with warm or hot summer weather.  Growth and blooming is initiated from warm water temperatures.

Citrus spp. There are many citrus species available to suit every gardener from the apartment dwelling city folks to large estate owners. There are even more varieties for each species. Every species is fragrant. Citrus has been cultivated for hundreds of years before they are even known to the western world. Plants like the calamodin have overlapping bloom and fruting seasons. Therefore, the plant is usually ladden with both flowers and fruit year round. They grow well indoors in medium to large containers. Other species like Citrus grandis are large trees and bear humongous fruits up to several pounds in weight. They are usually prized for Thai and Chinese new years. The fruit itself emits a strong fragrance. These are grown usually more for their frangrant, table center-piece than for food.

Michelia figo Commonly called the "banana shrub" the plant is in the same species as the Michelia alba. The figo tends to grow more as a shrub than as a tree, but older plants can grow to 15 feet as the ones at UCLA . Like Michelia alba the plant bears strongly fragrant flowers in spring. The plant is hardier than the the alba, but the downside is the relatively short flowering season. The plant is also more reasonably priced.

Osthmanthus fragrans Commonly called the sweet olive. It is a fairly hardy plant that blooms in spring and fall. It can be trained asa tree as seen on the UC Santa Cruz campus. Or they can be trimmed back as a hedge as seen at UC Riverside. The flowers aretiny yellow flowers are barely visible far away, but you cannot miss the fragrance. It can be smelled several meters away, and even farther when the winds are blowing.

Night Jasmine Cestrum nocturnum
Originally from the West Indies this evergreen shrub can grow to about 12 feet. It can be trimmed to 5-6 feet or even smaller. Night fragrance is intoxicating. Ideal locations are frost free areas. Otherwise, keep in a pot and move it indoors during winter months. Available soon for $12 each.

The Gardener's Source