Trees
PHOTO PIERRE MCCANN, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
The Bohemian olive tree produces thousands of deliciously fragrant yellow flowers.
Already, even before it flowers, the Bohemian olive tree puts on a show with its pretty silver foliage. Then appear countless spikes of small yellow flowers which emit a delicate and embalming perfume. But the bouquet is that the flowers produce small fruits, also silvery, which are indeed reminiscent of olives, fruits that birds love at the end of the season. Rapidly growing, it reaches around seven meters at maturity, but it can be pruned if necessary. Undemanding in terms of soil, neglected by insects, it is however subject to certain fungal diseases.
The bushes
PHOTO BOTANICAL GARDEN OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
The purple flowers of the “Charles Joly” lilac are spectacular and very fragrant.
The first pleasant scents of spring often appear with lilacs. Dozens, if not hundreds of varieties are now on sale in garden centers, in various colors, sizes and flowering periods. And of course, with very variable flavors.
Among the cultivars known for their dense aroma are small lilacs (less than three meters) such as Palibin (pinkish flowers), Miss Kim (pink flowers) and two of my favorites, Charles Joly, which produces purple flowers, and Josée, with dark pink inflorescences. Added to the fragrant list are Katherine Havemeyer, with lavender-colored flowers, and Ludwig Spaeth, with purple flowers.
But the most pleasant and intense scents in gardens are offered to us, in my opinion, by the azaleas, especially the Lights series. In the greater metropolitan area, this moment of pure olfactory delight begins around June 10. Then, around June 24, the summer azaleas from the Western series will take over, unfortunately difficult to find, including the spectacular Popsicle, to finish at the beginning of July with other Western varieties including Lemon Drop. All are hardy, rarely subject to disease and their foliage turns purple in fall.
The climbers
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Climbing honeysuckles are distinguished by their long flowering.
Some climbers are also renowned for their powerful scent. Climbing honeysuckles stand out among this restricted group by their long flowering. Their colors vary depending on the variety. Our milder winters also favor wisteria which perfectly adorn our pergolas with their hanging and fragrant flowers. The hardy kiwi is in a class of its own. Its small flowers give off an exquisite scent of lily of the valley. Obviously, if you planted male and female together or at least not too far apart, you will have a multitude of delicious fruits at the end of summer, tasting identical to kiwi from the grocery store. (The species Actinidia arguta is self-fertile).
Perennials
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Hardy in Quebec like its cousin “White Dawn”, the climbing rose “New Daw” comes to us in more or less dark tones of pink.
Considered as small shrubs, Rose bushes are usually integrated into their own right among perennials. The number of species and varieties can no longer be counted and the intensity of their smell varies just as much. One thing is certain: most of the time, you will need a well-stocked rose bush to take full advantage of its fragrant benefits. Here are some suggested strains before you begin your exhaustive research: New Dawn, Chrysler Imperial, Rosa hansa, At Last, City of Windsor and Agnes.
Royal Standard hosta can also charm a demanding nose, as is the case with certain carnations, monarda, lavender – if the quantity is there. But those looking for intoxication will turn in particular to Crambe cordifolia, a plant with large foliage producing a flower stalk a good meter high supporting a spring cloud of tiny white flowers with a wonderful honey scent. THE Orienpet lilies or even oriental varieties like Stagazer, often give off very intense scents. At the end of the season, at the end of August, but especially in September, these are the long white flower spikes of cimicifugas which will make you succumb.
Annuals
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Lobulars or alyssums are small plants that give off scents throughout the summer. To be placed near the house to take full advantage of it.
Unlike perennials, annuals will flower almost all summer and some will perfume us for weeks. Nicotine and gladiolus sold in bulbs (acidanthera) have this generosity. Better yet, blue or white heliotropes (be careful, some have little or no odor) or even lobularias (or alyssums) to place along your path so that each of your steps is a fragrant delight.