7 Fragrant Ornamental Trees for Your Backyard

Have you ever wondered how you can elevate your garden experience to a whole new level? Well, the answer lies in fragrant ornamental trees. These trees not only add visual charm to your garden but also create an aromatic environment that’s simply delightful. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore together!

Whether you’re looking for a tree that’s a feast for the eyes, a treat for the nose, or both, you’re sure to find the perfect fit among these fragrant ornamental trees. 

Understanding Ornamental Trees

Before we delve into the specifics of each tree, let’s take a moment to understand what makes a tree “ornamental”. Ornamental trees are primarily grown for their aesthetic appeal. They might have beautiful flowers, interesting leaves, striking bark, or an attractive shape. But the best part? All the trees we’re about to discuss are considered ornamental! Visit our Ornamentals page to learn more about these beautiful plants.

So, let’s explore seven of the most fragrant ornamental trees suitable for Melbourne gardens.

1. Magnolia

Magnolias are renowned for their large, beautiful flowers and sweet, citrusy fragrance. This scent can fill your garden, creating a calming and refreshing atmosphere. Magnolias are also known for their hardiness, making them a great choice for Melbourne’s climate.

Magnolia trees can grow quite large, with some species reaching up to 20 metres in height. As for maintenance, Magnolias are relatively low-care once established. But they do appreciate a bit of pruning to maintain their shape and remove any dead or damaged wood.

2. Crab Apple (Malus Ioensis Plena)

The Crab Apple tree is a sight to behold when in full bloom, and its fragrance is equally impressive. The sweet, apple-like scent is a delight to the senses. Plus, this tree is a favourite among pollinators, helping to support local biodiversity.

Crab Apple trees are a bit smaller, usually growing to about 4-8 metres tall. The Crab Apple tree produces edible fruit which is often used to make jellies and preserves. These trees require moderate maintenance, including regular watering and annual pruning.

3. Black Flowering Plum (Prunus Nigra)

The Black Flowering Plum tree provides a unique visual and scent experience. Its dark foliage contrasts beautifully with its pink flowers, which emit a light, sweet fragrance. This tree is also drought-tolerant, making it a practical choice for Australian gardens.

Black Flowering Plum trees typically grow to about 5-6 metres tall. These trees are relatively low-maintenance. But they do appreciate regular watering during dry periods and some pruning to maintain their shape.

4. Frangipani (Plumeria spp.)

Frangipani trees are synonymous with tropical beauty. Their flowers produce a strong, sweet, and exotic fragrance that can transport you to a tropical paradise. Frangipanis are also relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in Melbourne’s climate with the right care.

Frangipani trees are smaller, usually growing to about 5-6 metres tall. While Frangipani trees do produce a fruit-like seed pod, these are not edible. These trees are relatively low-maintenance, but they do require some care to protect them from frost and pests.

5. Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis)

Sweet Bay trees are not only fragrant but also useful. Their leaves, which give off a sweet, spicy aroma, are often used in cooking. This tree is also evergreen, providing year-round beauty and scent.

Sweet Bay trees can grow to be quite large, reaching up to 12 metres in height. The leaves of the Sweet Bay tree are often used in cooking, but the small black berries it produces are not typically eaten. These trees require moderate maintenance, including regular watering and pruning to maintain their shape.

6. Golden Chain Tree (Laburnum X Watereri Vossii)

The Golden Chain Tree is a showstopper with its cascading yellow flowers and sweet, honey-like scent. This tree is a great choice for adding a touch of drama and a lot of fragrance to your garden.

Golden Chain Trees are smaller, typically growing to about 7 metres tall. These trees do not produce edible fruits. Golden Chain Trees require moderate maintenance. Consider regular watering and pruning to remove any dead or damaged wood.

7. Cornus Dogwood

Cornus Dogwood trees are known for their beautiful flowers and pleasant, floral fragrance. These trees are also versatile, thriving in both full sun and partial shade, making them a great choice for various garden settings.

Cornus Dogwood trees are medium-sized, usually growing to about 5-10 metres tall. While some species of Dogwood do produce edible fruits, the Cornus variety typically does not. These trees require moderate maintenance, including regular watering and pruning to maintain their shape and health.

Bare Root: Fragrant Ornamental Trees

Did you know that some trees can be bought as ‘bare root’ trees? This means that the trees are sold without any soil around their roots. It’s a fantastic way to purchase trees because it’s often more affordable, and the trees are easier to transport and plant. Plus, it’s bare root season right now! That’s right, June and July are the perfect months to get your hands on these trees.

Among our fragrant ornamental trees, Magnolia, Crab Apple (Malus Ioensis Plena), and Cornus Dogwood can be bought as bare root trees. These trees are not only a treat for the senses with their beautiful fragrances, but they’re also easy to plant and establish in your garden.

And guess what? Diaco’s Garden Nursery has a fresh new season of bare root trees available for sale each winter. It’s the perfect time to add some fragrant beauty to your garden. So why wait? Head over to our website and explore our range of bare root perfumed trees.

If you’re new to the world of bare root trees and want to learn more, we’ve got you covered. We have a handy blog post all about Bare Root Trees on our website. It’s packed with tips and advice to help you get the most out of your bare root trees. You can check it out here.

Conclusion

Perfumed and fragrant ornamental trees are more than just a feast for the eyes; they’re a treat for the senses, too. By choosing one (or more!) of these ornamental trees, you can create a sensory garden experience that’s truly unique.

Ready to transform your garden with fragrant ornamental trees? Diaco’s Garden Nursery has a fresh batch of bare root trees available right now! Some of these are your favourite perfumed ornamental trees. Don’t miss this perfect opportunity to add these fragrant beauties to your garden.

Remember, at Diaco’s, we’re here to help you every step of the way. From choosing the right tree to providing the best maintenance products, we’ve got you covered. Looking for more gardening tips and advice? Check out our other blog posts on fragrant trees and shrubs, ornamental trees for landscaping, and trees that smell good at night.