30 Jan 6 Fragrant Shade Plants for Your Yard

Fragrant shade plants can be an invaluable part of any landscaper’s toolkit because they accomplish multiple aesthetic effects at once. They allow designers to shape sight, sound, fragrance, temperature, and use of space. Tucson’s professional landscape design specialists at Santa Rita Landscaping use these shade plants, among others, because they grow well in a wide range of climates, look attractive, and have structural features that catch the eye and make effective use of three-dimensional space.

Plant #1: Abelia

Abelia plants are subtle evergreen shrubs with white or pink flowers and an alluring fragrance that grows well in Tucson as well as temperate climates. Abelia blooms attract butterflies, adding a natural source of color and movement to the landscape. They reach heights up to six feet, making them suitable for creating boundaries and shade for benches.

Plant #2: Catmint

To add a burst of color and the odor of mint to your garden, try one of the varieties of catmint that grow in Tucson soil. They can grow in the shade of taller plants or walls up to about two feet, so they work well in multi-level landscape designs. Plant catmint plants in early spring and allow them to grow in the sun or partial shade.

Plant #3: Evergreen Clematis

An arbor covered in evergreen clematis is an excellent source of decoration and shade. They bloom in late spring and can reach impressive heights when they climb walls, pergolas, and other structures. Like Abelia, they produce pretty white flowers that emit a fragrance reminiscent of vanilla. 

Plant #4: Foamflower

The bright pinkish-white blooms of the foamflower have an eye-catching spiky shape and grow between one and three feet tall. As long as the soil has a moderate amount of moisture and fertilizer, these fragrant shade plants should grow well in relatively cool climates.

Plant #5: Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob’s Ladder grows to a similar height to catmint. The coloration of its blooms, either deep blue or white, goes well with other white, violet, or blue shade plants. Jacob’s ladder plants grow well in full sun or partial shade in temperate climates. Their sweet scent attracts insects that support your garden ecosystem. 

Plant #6: Lily-of-the-Valley

If you live in a more temperate area and are looking for fragrant plants that will grow in the late summer, lilies-of-the-valley are one option. Their pleasant flowers and sweet smell like jasmine are reasons why they are popular fragrant shade plants. If you grow lilies of the valley on your property, take care not to let pets or children consume the berries because they can cause serious illness.

Landscaping with Fragrant Shade Plants from Santa Rita Landscaping 

If you need assistance choosing the perfect plants for landscaping in shade gardens, let the experts at Santa Rita Landscaping help. Learn more about how to select, plant, prune, and care for a variety of breathtaking fragrant shade plants. Call 520-623-0421 to reach our Tucson location and speak with a landscape designer about your plans for your shade gardening project.