How do Scented plants produce odors and where is the best place to get the plants?

Plants release scents from their flowers, leaves, fruit or roots. The plants have scented substances such as essential oils that are produced by the plant by means of chemical processes. Scented plants release a perfume. Plants can be classified according to the source of the scent. There are leaf scented plants and flowers scented plants.

Leaf scented plants have the scent carriers on the leaves and do not emit any scents until they are touched. They are also called contact scented plants. When the leave is rubbed, the scent glands burst open, releasing unique aromas. Examples of leaf scented plants are basil (Ocimum basilicum), lavender (Lavendula) and mint (Mentha). The ideal position for scented plants would be a position that allows them to get an occasional brush by the hand.

Flower scented plants release odors naturally only through blooms. They do not require any contact. Examples include garden roses and jasmine.

When do the plants release the scents?

Some plants release odors during the day while others only release at night. Scented plants that release scents during the daytime require plenty of warmth and light for them to produce insect inviting smells. It is necessary for those plants to release odors during the day as this is the only time that the pollinating insects feed.

Evening scented plants, also known as nocturnal plants rely on night feeding insects to pollinate them. They normally begin emitting odor soon after sun set. They produce a sweet and heavy smell. Examples include angels' trumpets (Brugmansia), dame's violet (Hesperis matronalis) and tobacco plant (Nicotiana alata). Place these Nocturnal scented plants on places you like relaxing after hours.

Scent classification

Scents can be classified into 4 distinct groups: fruity, spicy, flowering and resinous. Fruity scents such as apple, pine apple or strawberry.

  • Spicy scents aromatic scents such as lavender, laurel, thyme and vanilla.

  • Flowery scents like roses, carnation and jasmine.

  • Resinous scents like spruce, pine and incense.

Plants can also be further subdivided based on the aroma strength. However scent descriptions can be very confusing and one should use ones' personal experiences with each fragrance to make a detailed classification.

How to obtain scented plants

There are numerous methods that can be used to obtain scented plants

  • You can obtain them form friends and family

  • From collectors who either offer scented plants for exchange or the sale

  • Gardens and nurseries normally have a few

  • Specialist nurseries offering a wide selection of scented plants. You can purchase scented plants through mail order.