10 of the best fragrant flowers

Give a gift of scented blooms

With classic rose, calming lavender, intoxicating gardenia and delicate peony, the flower shop is a haven of natural perfumes. Most of us are usually so busy admiring the visual feast that we forget to stop and inhale the aroma. However, if you follow your nose chances are you'll pick a bouquet of flowers that will inspire more admiration and thrills than going by sight alone. Here are 10 of the best scented flowers to get you started on your own perfume concoction.

Peony

These fulsome blooms smell as pretty as they look. But note that not all peony scents were created equal: some are headier than others. Look out for Charlie’s White variety with its large rounded white flower and deliciously distinctive scent.

peony
Sign up for monthly flower inspiration.
rose

Rose

This heady, timeless, classic scent of the rose is evocative of traditional English country gardens. Find its essential oil extract everywhere from your grandmother's rosewater to designer perfumes. 

 

 

 

 

lily

Lily

The lily really knows how to make a statement in your home. If its flamboyant petals weren’t enough to catch your attention, its intoxicating scent certainly will be.

 

 

 

 

freesia

Freesia

Few fragrances shout ‘spring’ quite like the fresh scent of freesia. Light but with enough depth to tantalise your senses, it's the perfect seasonal scented floral gift.

 

 

 

 

gardenia

Gardenia

The gardenia has a distinctive ‘white flower’ scent that has made it a consistently popular choice for perfumers. These pretty blooms smell delicious wherever they're located.

 

 

 

 

lavender

Lavender

With its distinctive scent, widely known for its soothing and calming properties, lavender the perfect companion for a bedroom dressing table. Its long-lasting flowers also promise to linger night after night. 

 

 

 

 

hyacinth

Hyacinth

If you love the smell of lavender but prefer something a little less herbal and a little more floral, look no further than the hyacinth – similar to lavender but slightly sweeter, and widely available as a cut flower. 

 

 

 

tuberose

Tuberose

Similar to its white flower counterparts jasmine and gardenia, tuberose is bursting with scent. It also has an elegant appearance that makes it the ideal flower for a minimalist home or chic city wedding.

 

 

 

lilac

Lilac

Like cherry blossom and magnolia, the sight of lilac trees in bloom is one of the great joys of spring. But this pretty purple flower has also become increasingly popular in bouquets, thanks to its vintage aesthetic and soft, sweet smell.

 

 

 

jasmine

Jasmine

A sweet-smelling, small white-pinkish flower that grows on long trailing bracts, jasmine is a great choice for a scented bouquet at a country wedding.

 

 

 

 

More INSPIRATION

If you're after more seasonal inspiration, our Spring board on Pinterest is bursting with flowers. Browse, pin and comment to your heart’s content. Share everything with us on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #funnyhowflowersdothat.

Back to top