Imagine stepping into your backyard and being enveloped by a symphony of intoxicating fragrances. Studies have found that exposure to pleasant scents can boost mood by up to 40%.
By incorporating scented climbers into your garden, you can create a sensory oasis that delights your senses and promotes relaxation and well-being. From classic favorites like jasmine and honeysuckle to exotic beauties like the chocolate vine, these 12 heavenly-scented climbers elevate your outdoor space.
1. Jasmine
Jasmine is a classic choice for scented climbers, beloved for its intensely sweet fragrance. This vigorous grower produces clusters of delicate white flowers that bloom from mid-summer to autumn.
The scent is particularly potent in the evening, perfect for outdoor dining areas or bedroom windows. For best results, plant jasmine in well-drained soil in a sunny spot. It pairs beautifully with clematis and honeysuckles, creating a lush, fragrant display.
Try the ‘Clotted Cream’ variety for larger-than-normal flowers and an even more impressive visual impact.
2. Star Jasmine
Despite its name, star jasmine is not related to true jasmine but offers an enchanting fragrance. This evergreen climber boasts dark green leaves that turn bronze in winter, providing year-round interest. Its sweet, intense perfume is strongest in the evening, filling the air with a heavenly scent.
Star jasmine thrives in sheltered, sunny locations and is half-hardy, requiring protection from hard frosts. Plant it on a south-facing wall or trellis to enjoy its summer flowers and intoxicating aroma.
The glossy foliage and star-shaped blooms make it a stunning addition to any garden structure.
3. Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are renowned for their classic fragrance and vibrant colors. These annual climbers are perfect for adding vertical interest and a burst of scent to your garden. They bloom prolifically throughout the summer, offering a continuous supply of fragrant cut flowers for your home.
For maximum impact, grow sweet peas up a trellis or around the uprights of your pergola. They prefer cool, moist soil and full sun. Regular deadheading will encourage more blooms and prolong the flowering season.
It is a charming addition to any scented garden with their delicate tendrils and butterfly-like flowers.
4. Chocolate Vine
Consider the chocolate vine for a unique addition to your fragrant climbers. This unusual plant bears maroon flowers and has an exotic, spicy aroma that sets it apart from more traditional scented vines. It retains its attractive three-lobed leaves in mild winters, adding visual interest year-round.
The chocolate vine is a vigorous grower that can quickly cover a trellis or pergola. Plant it in a sunny to partially shaded spot with well-draining soil. While it may not produce its bizarre sausage-shaped fruit in cooler climates, the distinctive fragrance and foliage make it a conversation starter in any garden.
5. Clematis armandii ‘Snowdrift’
This evergreen clematis is a stunning choice for early spring fragrance. Clematis armandii ‘Snowdrift’ produces masses of pure white flowers with a delicate, fresh scent that’s strongest in the evening.
Some gardeners compare its aroma to that of hawthorn blossom, adding a touch of springtime magic to your outdoor space.
Plant Clematis armandii ‘Snowdrift’ in a sheltered location away from cold winds. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. The lance-shaped leaves quickly cover pergola uprights or trellises, creating a lush green backdrop for the fragrant blooms.
6. Mandevilla laxa
Hailing from South America, Mandevilla laxa is a deciduous climber that brings exotic charm to your garden. It bears pure white flowers in late summer and emits a beautiful fragrance that’s particularly noticeable in the evening. This climber is perfect for creating a tropical atmosphere in your backyard.
For best results, plant Mandevilla laxa in a sunny, sheltered spot. In colder regions, it requires protection during winter. With proper care, this stunning vine will reward you with its eye-catching flowers and rich perfume, making it a standout among scented climbers.
7. Morning Glory
While the classic ‘Heavenly Blue’ morning glory is a familiar favorite, consider the more unusual Ipomoea nil ‘Chocolate’ for a truly exotic touch. This annual climber produces trumpet-shaped flowers in a rich milk chocolate hue, creating a striking visual contrast in your garden.
Morning glories are fast growers, reaching 10 feet in a single season. They prefer full sun and fertile, well-draining soil. Plant them near a trellis or fence where they can climb freely. Their unique coloration and subtle fragrance will add an unexpected element to your scented garden.
8. Climbing Nasturtium
Climbing nasturtiums are a delightful addition to any scented garden. These vigorous vines produce a profusion of brightly colored flowers in gold, orange, pink, and ruby shades. Their peppery scent and edible flowers make them a multi-sensory treat.
Native to Central and South America, climbing nasturtiums thrive in hot climates that mimic their tropical origins. Plant them in full sun with well-draining soil. They’re perfect for covering trellises and fences or cascading from hanging baskets. The long-stemmed varieties are particularly well-suited for vertical gardening.
9. Cypress Vine
The cypress vine is a fast-growing annual that will attract hummingbirds to your garden. Its delicate, feathery foliage is adorned with small, tubular flowers in vibrant red, pink, or apricot shades.
While its fragrance is subtle, the visual impact and wildlife appeal make it a worthy addition to your scented climber collection.
Plant cypress vines in full sun with moist, well-draining soil. They’re ideal for covering trellises, arbors, or pergolas. The fine, lacy foliage contrasts broader-leaved climbers, adding texture and interest to your garden design.
10. Scarlet Runner Bean
For a climber that offers both beauty and bounty, look no further than the scarlet runner bean. This heirloom vine produces stunning red blooms that attract hummingbirds and bees. As a bonus, the beans are edible, allowing you to harvest a delicious crop from your ornamental vine.
Scarlet runner beans are fast growers that require plenty of space and support. Plant them in full sun with rich, well-draining soil. They’re perfect for creating a living screen or covering unsightly views.
The combination of vibrant flowers, subtle fragrances, and edible produce makes this climber a versatile choice for any garden.
11. Carolina Jessamine
Carolina jessamine is a hardy vine that brings early spring color and fragrance to your garden. Its bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers emit a sweet aroma that fills the air. This fast-growing climber is excellent for covering fences or trellises and can help screen unwanted views.
Plant Carolina jessamine in partial shade to full sun in nutrient-rich, moist, but well-draining soil. It’s adaptable to various pH levels, from acidic to slightly alkaline.
The early bloom time and fragrant flowers make it an excellent choice for extending the sensory season in your garden.
12. Wisteria
No list of scented climbers would be complete without wisteria. This classic vine produces cascading clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white. The sweet, heady scent of wisteria in bloom is one of the most iconic fragrances in the garden world.
Wisteria requires sturdy support due to its vigorous growth and heavy flower clusters.
Plant it in full sun with well-draining soil. While it may take a few years to establish and bloom, the wait is well worth it for the spectacular floral display and intoxicating fragrance it provides.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.