Lilac
(Syringa x 'Declaration')
Star-shaped reddish purple flowers appear in large dramatic clusters in early spring. The scent is spicy sweet—the essence of spring. The deciduous shrub reaches 6 to 8 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide; it takes full sun, or light shade in the hottest climates. Most lilacs bloom best in regions with winter chill (Sunset climate zones A1–A3; 1–11, 14–16). In mild winter areas (zones 18–22), try Descanso Hybrids.
Lemon Verbena
'Scarlet Pineapple' Sage
Angelwing Jasmine
(Jasminum laurifolium nitidum)
This semi-evergreen vine has glossy green leaves and pinwheel-shaped white flowers. Sunset climate zones 12, 16, 19-24, H1, H2.
Garden Heliotrope
Roses
Lemon-Scented Geraniums
Angel's trumpet
(Brugmansia)
A woody shrub, it has pendant flowers in a range of colors. Most varieties are fragrant, but 'Charles Grimaldi' is the best. Zones 12, 13, 16-24, H1, H2.
Tuberose
(Polianthes tuberosa)
This perennial has a fountain of grassy leaves and glistening white tubular flowers. Zones 7-9, 14-24, H1, H2.
Flowering Plum
(Prunus cerasifera)
Single white to light pink flowers open in clusters from pinkish buds before leaves appear (in March in the Northwest, earlier in warmer climes), releasing a honey scent, especially on warm, sunny days. The tree, 20 to 30 feet tall and wide, likes full sun. ‘Thundercloud’ has purplish brown leaves. Zones 3–22.
Star Magnolia
Little-Leaved Linden
Polyanthus Jasmine
(Jasminum polyanthum)
Small rose-colored flowers are white inside and grow in dense clusters in late winter to early spring. The scent is sweet and floral, like a warm Hawaiian night. A climbing vine reaching 20 feet tall, it’s sometimes grown in big pots and hanging baskets, or used as a groundcover. This jasmine takes full sun or light shade. Zones 5–9, 12–24; H1.
Citrus
Mexican Orange
How to bring the scent inside
Cutting. The best time to cut stems and branches is in the early morning or evening when the air is cool. Use sharp pruners.
• Roses: Make cuts above a set of five leaves.
• Shrubs: Cut flowers that grow in clusters, such as lilac and mock orange, before all buds have opened.
• Trees: Clip branches when buds start to fatten, making cuts just above a growth bud (take care not to disfigure your tree).
• Vines: Snip flowering stems of polyanthus jasmine, and remove the lowest leaves and blooms.
Caring. As you cut, plunge all branches or stems immediately in a bucket of lukewarm water. Before arranging woody ones (including flowering plum, lilac, and magnolia), remove the lower leaves, recut the stem ends at a slant, and make a 1- to 2-inch slit through the bottom of each stem.
Preserving. Fill a vase with lukewarm water, then add a floral preservative before inserting cuttings. Keep arrangements out of direct sunlight, and change the water and recut stem ends as needed.