Top Trees for Fragrance – It’s not only flowers that bring wonderful scents

At Frank P Matthews, we believe that trees don’t just shape your garden – they elevate it. While form, foliage and fruit often take centre stage, one of the most enchanting yet underrated qualities of many trees is fragrance. From sweet spring blossoms to aromatic leaves that release their scent in the breeze, fragrant trees offer a sensory experience that transforms outdoor spaces.

Here’s our list of top trees for fragrance chosen by the team, that delight the nose as much as they please the eye, including both flowering varieties and those with naturally perfumed foliage, yes leaves and bark can smell delicious too! 

Cercidiphyllum japonicum – Katsura Tree

Season of Interest: Autumn

Fragrance: Sweet toffee or burnt sugar.

This elegant tree earns its fragrant reputation not from flowers, but from its Autumn leaves. As they turn golden and fall, they release an incredible caramel-like scent that drifts through the garden. It’s a magical, fleeting moment that adds a new layer to the seasonal change.

Prunus mume – Japanese Apricot

Season of Interest: Late Winter to Early Spring

Fragrance: Spicy, sweet and intoxicating.

A hidden gem, Prunus mume offers delicate, blush-pink flowers on bare branches in late winter and they’re incredibly fragrant. The scent is rich, spicy and often described as one of the finest of any flowering tree. It’s a highlight of any Winter garden and a signal that spring is on its way.

Wisteria  

Season of Interest: Late Spring

Fragrance: Sweet, musky, and heady.

Wisteria makes a spectacular focal point when trained as a small standard or trailing a wall or pergola. Its cascading racemes of lavender-blue flowers are not only visually breath-taking but also emit a strong, sweet perfume that fills the air in late spring. A true showstopper for a sensory seeker and those who are looking to achieve a country garden look.

Eucalyptus gunnii – Cider Gum

Season of Interest: Year-round

Fragrance: Fresh, menthol and citrus.

Famous for its aromatic blue-grey foliage, Eucalyptus gunnii gives off a clean, invigorating scent. Crush a leaf or simply catch a breeze, and you’ll be greeted with a wave of eucalyptus freshness. It’s a striking architectural tree that adds fragrance and flair.

Elaeagnus × ebbingei 

Season of Interest: Autumn

Fragrance: Rich, sweet and unexpected.

Often grown as a hedge or screen, Elaeagnus × ebbingei also works beautifully as a small tree when trained. In Autumn, it produces tiny silvery flowers that are powerfully scented, filling the garden with a sweet, almost tropical aroma. Its evergreen, slightly leathery leaves are also faintly aromatic and reflect light beautifully.

Hamamelis × intermedia – Witch Hazel

Season of Interest: Late Winter

Fragrance: Spicy, clove-like.

Witch Hazel’s spidery yellow or orange blooms bring colour and perfume to the coldest months. Many varieties (like ‘Jelena’ or ‘Arnold Promise’) are prized for their spicy, clove-scented flowers, offering unexpected depth in the winter garden.

Tips for Adding Fragrant Tree to the Garden:

Plant near seating areas or paths so the scent can be enjoyed up close.

Combine fragrant foliage and flowers for seasonal layers of scent.

Morning and evening are the best times to enjoy garden fragrance, when the air is still and moisture intensifies the aroma.

Whether you’re designing a peaceful sanctuary or adding new interest to your garden, fragrant trees are a wonderful way to engage the senses year-round. At Frank P Matthews, we grow a wide range of beautiful, scented varieties ready to bring life, fragrance, and charm to any outdoor space.

Speak to our nursery, shop online or visit a stockist to discover your perfect fragrant tree.