Do Hydrangeas Have a Scent? Exploring the Fragrant Varieties

Hydrangeas are prized for their large, showy flower heads that come in colors like pink, blue, purple, white and green. But did you know that some hydrangea species and cultivars also gift us with a lovely fragrance to enjoy?

When it comes to scent, not all hydrangeas are created equal. Let’s take a look at which types you can count on for a fragrant experience in your garden.

Fragrant Panicle Hydrangeas

One of the most popular fragrant varieties is the panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata). This type produces conical flower clusters that start out white and then take on hues of pink or red as they mature.

The grandiflora cultivar, commonly called PeeGee hydrangea, is renowned for its sweet, honey-like fragrance. Give it room to reach its potential height of 10-20 feet, and you’ll be rewarded with its scent on the summer breeze.

Other panicle hydrangea cultivars like ‘Limelight,’ ‘Little Lamb,’ and ‘Little Lime’ are reported to have a mild to moderately sweet fragrance

Climbing Hydrangeas

Another scented species is the climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris). This vine’s fragrant white lacecap blooms are much smaller than the mophead and panicle types, but they make up for it with their intense almond-like fragrance.

Give climbing hydrangea a trellis or wall to climb up, and its fragrance will greet you as you pass by. Plant it near a deck, patio or window where you can most appreciate the scent.

Oakleaf Hydrangeas

Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is prized for its cone-shaped flower clusters handsome lobed leaves and excellent fall color. Luckily some cultivars of this native North American species also provide a subtle fragrance.

‘Snow Queen’ and ‘Pee Wee’ oakleaf hydrangeas are two dwarf varieties reported to have lightly scented blooms. Plant them along walkways or near outdoor living areas where you can savor their gentle fragrance up close.

The Best Way to Sample Hydrangea Scents

When it comes to hydrangea fragrance, it’s important to remember that everyone’s sense of smell is unique. One person may detect a magnificent scent while another smells nothing at all.

The best way to explore hydrangea fragrance is to visit local nurseries, gardens or parks when the flowers are in bloom. Get up close and take a whiff of the different types and cultivars. Let your nose guide you to the scented varieties that appeal most to you.

Pay attention to when the fragrance is strongest. Some types like oakleaf hydrangea tend to be most fragrant in the morning. For others, the scent peaks in the heat of late afternoon. Figure out the prime time to appreciate each type and make a point to enjoy the fleeting hydrangea scents when they are at their best.

Locating Fragrant Hydrangeas to Experience

You don’t have to limit your hydrangea scent adventures to your own garden. Here are some places where you can explore different fragrant hydrangea varieties:

• Local nurseries: Visit nurseries during hydrangea bloom season and ask about fragrant varieties they offer. This will give you the chance to experience different scents firsthand.

• Public gardens and arboreta: Many botanical gardens and arboreta have diverse hydrangea collections. The larger the planting, the better chance you have of experiencing different hydrangea scents.

• Hydrangea breeder display gardens: Some hydrangea breeders open display gardens with rows of their newest introductions. Visit in summer and you may catch a sneak peek at upcoming fragrant varieties before they even hit the market.

• Neighborhood walks: You never know when a fragrant hydrangea will pop up just down the street. Keep your nose alert on neighborhood walks and take note of which yards host scented specimens.

Caring for Fragrant Hydrangeas

To keep your fragrant hydrangeas happy and performing their best, provide them with the following care:

• Sun exposure: Give them the appropriate amount of sun for the species and variety. Panicle and oakleaf hydrangeas need at least 6 hours of sun. Climbing hydrangea thrives in part shade.

• Water: Provide 1-2 inches of water per week. Water at the base of the plant and avoid wetting the leaves.

• Pruning: Remove spent blooms promptly on varieties that bloom on old wood to encourage new growth. Prune panicle hydrangeas and oaksleafs after flowering. For climbing hydrangea, simply trim errant stray stems.

• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas that promote leafy growth over flowers.

• Support: Stake tall mophead and panicle hydrangeas if needed. Give climbing hydrangea a sturdy trellis, arbor or wall to climb up.

Follow these tips and you’ll be rewarded with the maximum number of fragrant blooms.

Add Fragrant Hydrangeas to Your Garden

Now that you know which hydrangea types can offer up their scented bounty, it’s time to consider adding one or more to your outdoor spaces.

Here are some tips for selecting and incorporating fragrant hydrangeas in your garden:

• Choose a variety suitable for your hardiness zone. Climbing hydrangea and oakleaf hydrangea are good choices for colder northern zones. Go for panicle hydrangeas if you need more heat tolerance.

• Pick a spot with the right sun exposure for the variety. You want your hydrangea happy to maximize fragrance.

• Plant fragrant specimens near outdoor living areas like patios, decks and walkways so you can appreciate the scent.

• Position them where summer breezes can waft their fragrance over your garden.

• Plant in combination with other scented plants like roses, lilies, nicotiana, dianthus and sweet alyssum.

• Add stakes, trellises and arbors as needed for tall or vining varieties.

With the right selection and placement, you’ll be able to glide out into your garden and be embraced by the lovely scents of fragrant hydrangeas. Let your nose guide you to new fragrant discoveries!