Hardy Scented plants and the different types of plants that can be propagated in small pots
If you do not have decent over wintering facilities you can always grow other plants that can thrive in cooler positions, and still produce similar scents to the warmer Mediterranean scented plants. Most garden plants, shrub, herbaceous plants, annual and small tress can be propagated in small containers and pots.
Akebia guinata
This well known rapid climbing plant has scented flowers and thrives in a semi-shady position. Its scented flowers are purple-violet and hang in beautiful clusters. A fruity, strong scent of vanilla and orange is produced. Propagate the chocolate vine in humus-rich, porous soil and add fertilizer fortnightly. The chocolate vine can be trained on a stick which allows new shoots to be entwined around it. There are no known pests that threaten the life of the chocolate vine.
Convallaria majalis lily-of-the valley
They have a strong lily-of-the valley scent being released from the white tiny bell flowers. This is a toxic plant and should be handled with care. Do not consume the red berries it produces. The Convallaria grows in humus rich soil or potting compost. Add fertilizer after every 2 weeks. The plant thrives in both a shady and bright position. The Convallaria majalis can be grown together with angels trumpet creating a stunning design.
Passiflora caerulea blue passion flower
This rapid-growing climber produces white and blue scented flowers which can reach up to 7cm wide. The blue passion flower thrives in warm, sunny conditions free of draught. The climber should be fertilized fortnightly and over wintered in frost free conditions between 5-8`C. the common enemies for the Passiflora are spider mites.
Lonicera honeysuckle
The berry producing climbing plant has woody shoots and rolled-up, pipe-like flowers. The flowers produce a sweet scent at night. The Lonicera should be cut back every autumn. There are various species L.caprifolium (Italian honeysuckle) which has orange-yellow flowers and L.periclymenum Graham Thomas which has strong white scented flowers. Honeysuckle is a very toxic scented plant. Aphids can be controlled using biological means.
Santolina cotton lavender
The evergreen plant produces a spicy pleasant scent of chamomile and cypress. It has round semi-bushes with tiny button-like yellow flowers. Unlike other plants the cotton lavender can grow in poor soil and requires less fertilizer. It should be pruned when it becomes leggy. Cotton lavender has no identified pests and can be combined with roses to create an eye-catching design and looks good with other Mediterranean plants.
Viburnum
The bush has huge, pink or white flowers umbels and bears attractive berries in autumn. The flowers produce a heavy intense perfume. The scented plants grow well in full sunlight and should be fertilized after every 2 weeks. Species include V x burkwoodis (with pink flowers); V x bodnantense (with white-pink flowers). The viburnum thrives in both bright and semi-shady positions.
Herbs- spicy and decorative
Herbs, also known as touchable scents add life to an already attractive design. There are different types of herbs ocimum basilicum (basil); Mentha (mint); Rosmarinus officinals (rosemary) and salvia (sage).
Basils bears green or reddish leaves which have pink flowers. The leaves produce a spicy aroma when rubbed by hand and are prone to aphid attacks. Mints leaves have an aromatic scent and are white, blue or pink. The mint requires vigorous pruning in autumn and has no known pests. Species include M x piperita, M. suaveolens and pine apple mint.