You can fill vases with fresh flowers from a scent filled garden and I have not even included the camellias, and the lilies. The list could go on and on.
Grevilleas
Is the third largest group of Australian native plants, with somewhere between 350 and 500 species in the genus. These fabulous plants have become increasingly popular in gardens, thanks to the enormous range of hybrids and cultivars available.
They vary from specie to specie but many flower in winter and provide a feast for nectar birds when other native plants are not so generous.
Rhododendrons
A fabulous flowering plant in a multitude of colours. They range in size from dwarf plants right up to 5 metre tall shrubs. As long as they are in a protected moist and well drained position that is preferably semi shaded, they will thrive
Wintersweet - 'Chimonanthus praecox'
This plant looks ... let’s say very unattractive in early winter. But in the later part of winter there is the frog to the prince transformation when small, sweetly scented, yellow flowers, stained purple inside, appear on bare branches.
It is a vigorous shrub which makes a lovely specimen plant for a sunny, well-drained position where its scent can be appreciated.
It can be a cut flower to bring the scent of incense into the house.
Daphne - 'Daphne odora Aureomarginata'
We almost have all heard of this somewhat fickle plant with it s clusters of small, sweetly scented, pale pink flowers open from purple-pink. This evergreen shrub thrives in a sunny, sheltered position where it will brighten the winter garden.
Witch Hazel - 'Hamamelis mollis'
Like the winter sweet, this upright, deciduous shrub has clusters of sweetly scented, bright yellow, spidery flowers clinging to bare twigs. In autumn, the bright green leaves turn soft yellow.
Winter Honeysuckle - 'Lonicera'
A bit of a climber, the clusters of pale yellow, tubular flowers will fill the air with a strong scent
Mahonia - 'Mahonia japonica'
The long branches are lined with slender spikes of pale yellow flowers. The flowers of this lovely, evergreen shrub have a fragrance reminiscent of lily-of-the-valley.
Luculia
If you want something with better foliage choose Luculia grandifolia that has beautifully scented flowers. They're white and a little bit bigger, but the foliage is to die for. This is native to Bhutan and needs similar growing conditions. It should be protected from frosts and needs a little bit of supplementary summer water. Each of these can be propagated either by seed, or, perhaps better, by tip cuttings late spring to summer.
Mahonia
Bushy evergreen shrub which grows to 1.5m. It has attractive shiny pinnate foliage often with red tints in winter and dense, yellow flowers in spring. Excellent hedge in shade or sun and is tolerant of a wide range of pH but not alkaline.
Angels trumpet - Brugmansia
This beautiful plant is easily grown in a moist, fertile, well-drained soil, in full sun to part shade, in frost-free climates.. Most may be propagated easily from cuttings. The name Angel's Trumpet refers to the large, very dramatic, pendulous trumpet- flowers with a scent most noticeable in early evening.
Winter Flowering Heathers - 'Erica'
Winter heathers are an upright and compact plant making it ideal for along borders and a pruned shrub, or even suitable for container planting.
Silk-tassel Bush - 'Garrya elliptica'
I have mixed feelings about this plant. If not cared for and given a good position it can look very ordinary Long, silvery catkins up to 20cm long, shine out among glossy, wavy-edged, dark green leaves throughout winter. The silken tassels of his upright, evergreen shrub can, however, make a stunning feature in the winter garden.
Lentern rose - Hellebores
These cute little plants produce large saucer-shaped flowers and are ideal for the front of an early spring or winter border. Most hellebores will only grow in shade and prefer a rich loamy soil.
Treasure flower- Gazania
I love this tough little plant. It is a low-growing perennial herb with lance-shaped leaves and brightly coloured daisy-like flowers in bronze, yellow and orange tones. It produces abundant wind-blown seeds and spreads rapidly. It withstands salt-laden winds and grows well in sandy soils. It is often spread in garden waste and from cuttings and will grow in almost any soil.
Chefs cap or white Correa
Flowering time is chiefly between May and November, and intermittently throughout the year, and the plant grows well in practically any soil, in shade or full sun. To grow it at its best, a light sandy soil with good drainage and a position protected from wind, with broken or morning sunlight, is desirable. Groups of three to five offer added protection and enhance visual appeal.
Protea
Proteas offer brilliant colour, beautiful flowers and a spectacular presence in your garden.
They are tough, they flower most of the year and survive with minimal care but do like a well drained position.
