The addition of scented plants to your garden, patio, balcony, or windowsill can bring a wonderful range of aromas to your outdoor space. Scented plants come in all shapes and sizes, from large shrubs and trees to smaller perennials and annuals. Growing scented plants in pots is a great way to bring wonderful scents to your home, and many of these plants are easy to care for and maintain. 

Here at Garden Pie, we shall look into 10 scented plants to grow in pots.

1. Lavender

Lavender is a small, evergreen shrub that produces beautiful, fragrant purple flowers. It is easy to grow and requires little maintenance, making it ideal for containers.

How to grow Lavender in pots ?

Growing lavender in pots is a great way to add beauty, fragrance, and ease of maintenance to your garden. With the right pot, soil, watering, and sunlight, you'll have a thriving lavender plant in no time.

To grow lavender, keep the follow points in mind:

• First off, you'll need to choose the right pot for your lavender. Pick a pot that’s large enough to accommodate the size of your lavender plant. Don’t forget to factor in the mature size of the plant as it grows. You'll also want to make sure your pot has drainage holes as lavender needs good drainage to thrive.
• Then, you'll need to pick out the right soil. Lavender loves well-draining soil that's slightly alkaline. You can mix in some sand or perlite to improve drainage. Make sure to use a potting soil that's specifically designed for container plants.
• Next, you'll need to plant your lavender. If you're starting from seeds, it's best to start them indoors and then move them outdoors once they've sprouted. If you're using a transplanted lavender, make sure to loosen the roots before planting. Plant the lavender in the center of the pot, making sure it's planted at the same depth as it was in its original pot.
• Now, it's time to water your lavender. Lavender needs regular watering, but it's important to make sure you don't overdo it. Water your lavender deeply and then allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
• Finally, you'll need to make sure your lavender gets enough sunlight. Lavender needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If you're keeping your lavender indoors, make sure to place it near a south-facing window.

2. Rosemary

Rosemary is an herb with a distinct flavor and aroma that can add a unique and delicious touch to a variety of dishes. When grown in pots, rosemary is an attractive and convenient addition to the kitchen garden. 

How to grow Rosemary in pots ?

Growing rosemary in pots is a simple task that requires only basic gardening skills and knowledge. 

• To get started, begin by selecting a pot with adequate drainage holes. Clay pots tend to provide the best drainage, but any kind of container will work as long as it has at least one drainage hole. Fill the pot with a well-draining potting soil mix, leaving a few inches of space at the top. 
• Before planting the rosemary, water the soil to give it a good soaking. When planting, make sure to select a rosemary variety that is suitable for container gardening. Plant the rosemary in the center of the pot, and cover the roots with the soil. After planting, water the soil again to ensure that it is evenly moist.
• When it comes to caring for rosemary grown in pots, there are a few key considerations. First, make sure to keep the soil moist at all times. Rosemary is a Mediterranean herb and prefers a dry climate, but the soil should never be allowed to dry out completely. Water the plant whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
• It also needs to be fertilized regularly. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the summer months, and every four weeks during the winter months.
• Finally, make sure to provide adequate light for the rosemary. Place the pot in an area that receives full sun for at least six hours a day. If the plant does not get enough light, it will become leggy and won’t produce as many flavorful leaves.

3. Sweet Pea

Growing sweet pea in pots is a great way to add a fragrant and colorful addition to your garden. Sweet peas are a popular garden flower, known for their sweet scent and attractive blossoms. 

How to grow Sweet Pea in pots ?

Sweet Pea can be grown in containers and make a great addition to a patio or balcony. 

Here are some tips on how to grow it in pots:

• Select a Pot: Pots come in a variety of sizes and materials, so select one that is large enough to accommodate the root system of the plant. The soil should be well-draining and at least 12 inches deep. For best results, use a pot with a drainage hole in the bottom.
• Prepare the Soil: Fill the pot with a soil mix that is rich in organic matter. You can purchase a pre-made mix or make your own by combining two parts potting soil, two parts compost, and one part sand.
• Plant the Seeds: Plant the seeds about one inch deep and about two inches apart. Water the soil thoroughly and keep it moist but not soggy.
• Add Fertilizer: Once the plants are established, give them a boost with a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks.
• Deadhead Blooms: Regularly remove spent blooms to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
• Prune: Prune back the stems to promote bushier growth and more blooms.
• Water: Sweet peas need plenty of water to thrive, so water them regularly and deeply.

4. Jasmine

Jasmine is a climbing plant with white, fragrant flowers that is easy to grow in containers. 

So If you're looking to add a fragrant and beautiful flowering plant to your home or garden, jasmine might just be the perfect option. This beloved flower can be grown in a variety of ways, but one of the most popular methods is to grow it in a pot. 

How to grow jasmine in a pot ?

Growing jasmine in a pot is relatively easy and can provide a lovely addition to your outdoor space or balcony. 

Here are some tips for growing jasmine in pots:

• Choose a Pot: The first step in growing jasmine in a pot is to choose the right pot. A standard terracotta pot will work well, but you can also opt for a larger, more decorative pot if you prefer. Make sure the pot is at least 12 inches in diameter and has good drainage holes in the bottom.
• Choose a Location: Jasmine needs plenty of sunlight, so choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you're growing it indoors, place it near a sunny window. If you're growing it outdoors, find a spot that is sheltered from wind and rain.
• Prepare the Soil: Jasmine prefers well-draining soil, so mix together equal parts potting soil, compost, and perlite. Add some slow-release fertilizer to the mix to ensure your jasmine has all the nutrients it needs.
• Plant the Jasmine: Once you've prepped the potting mix, it's time to plant your jasmine. If you're planting a cutting, make sure the stem is at least four inches long and has at least two leaves. Place the cutting in the soil, making sure the stem is buried a few inches below the surface. If you're planting a jasmine plant from a nursery, make sure to dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball. Place the plant in the hole and fill in the soil around it.
• Water and Fertilize: Jasmine needs regular watering to thrive. Water the soil until it's evenly moist, but not soggy. During the summer months, you may need to water the plant every few days. Every month, fertilize the soil with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
• Prune and Deadhead: Jasmine should be pruned and deadheaded regularly to encourage more blooms and bushier growth. Prune off any dead or damaged stems and deadhead spent flowers to promote new growth.

5. Sweet Alyssum

Growing sweet alyssum in pots is a great way to add some color, fragrance, and beauty to your outdoor space. Sweet alyssum is a low-growing, flowering annual that is perfect for borders or containers. It produces fragrant, white, pink, or purple flowers and is an easy-care plant that can be grown in most climates. 

How to grow Sweet Alyssum in pots ?

With a few simple tips, you can successfully grow sweet alyssum in containers:

• Choose a pot: Select a pot that is at least 8 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep. This will give the sweet alyssum plenty of room to grow. Make sure it has drainage holes in the bottom. If your pot does not have drainage holes, you may need to drill some.
• Fill the pot: Fill the pot with a lightweight, well-draining potting soil. You can use a potting mix specifically designed for container plants or make your own by mixing equal parts compost, peat moss, and perlite.
• Plant the seeds: Plant the sweet alyssum seeds about an inch apart in the pot. Cover lightly with soil and lightly press down. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• Place in the sun: Sweet alyssum requires full sun to thrive, so find a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In hot climates, partial shade may be necessary to prevent the plant from getting too hot and drying out.
• Water regularly: Sweet alyssum needs to be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water the plant deeply, but don’t allow it to sit in water.
• Fertilize: Sweet alyssum should be fertilized every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. This will help promote healthy growth and flowering.
• Deadhead: To keep the plant looking its best, deadhead the flowers regularly. This will also encourage more blooms.

6. Heliotrope

Heliotrope is a small, bushy annual with clusters of fragrant, purple or white flowers. It is easy to grow from seed and makes a great addition to pots and containers.

How to grow Heliotrope in a pot ?

Heliotrope, with its fragrant purple flowers, is a beautiful addition to any garden. 

Fortunately, it's easy to grow in containers, making it a great option for those with limited space or who just want to add a pop of color to a balcony or patio. 

Read on to learn how to grow and care for heliotrope in pots:

• Choose a Pot: Heliotrope thrives in a pot that is at least 8 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter. Choose a pot with plenty of drainage holes and fill it with a light, well-draining potting mix.
• Plant Your Heliotrope: Plant your heliotrope in the pot, making sure to leave enough room for it to grow. Plant the heliotrope at the same depth as it was in its original container.
• Water Regularly: Heliotrope needs plenty of water to thrive, so water your plant regularly. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
• Feed the Plant: Heliotrope benefits from a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer, applied every two weeks during the growing season.
• Prune Regularly: Heliotrope can become leggy if not pruned regularly. To keep your plant looking its best, trim off dead or damaged leaves and stems.
• Monitor for Pests: Heliotrope is susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites, so keep an eye out for these pests. If you notice an infestation, treat the plant with an appropriate insecticide.

7. Calendula

Calendula is an annual with bright orange or yellow flowers that have a spicy, pungent scent.

Growing calendula in pots can be a great way to bring a little bit of the outdoors into your home. Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for annual flower. With a little patience and the right growing conditions, you can have a gorgeous display of calendula blooms in your home in no time.

How to grow calendula ?

• To get started, you'll need to choose a potting soil that's specifically designed for flowers. Look for a soil that has good drainage and is light and fluffy. Don’t use garden soil, as it won't drain well enough for potted plants. Next, select a pot that's at least six inches deep, as calendula needs plenty of root space to thrive. Make sure your pot has drainage holes on the bottom so that excess water can escape.
• Once you've selected your pot, you’re ready to plant your calendula. Fill the pot with the soil you’ve selected and make a hole that’s large enough to fit the roots of your calendula. Place the calendula in the hole and cover with soil, making sure to gently press down around the roots. Water your calendula deeply, but don’t let it sit in standing water.
• Calendula prefers full sun, so make sure to place your pot in a spot that gets plenty of sunshine. If you're growing calendula indoors, place it near a window that gets direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. During hot summer days, you may need to move the pot to a shadier spot to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly.
• Keep the soil lightly moist, but not soggy. If the soil feels dry, give your calendula a deep watering. To keep your calendula from getting leggy, pinch off the flower heads once they’ve wilted. This will encourage your calendula to produce more flowers.

8. Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is a climbing shrub with fragrant, yellow or white flowers.

It is a beautiful and fragrant flowering vine that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. 

How to grow honeysuckle in pots ?

Growing honeysuckle in containers is a great way to bring this lovely plant into even the smallest of spaces, and with just a bit of care, you can have a thriving vine in no time.

• First, select a pot for your honeysuckle. Make sure the pot is large enough to allow for plenty of root growth, and that it has adequate drainage holes in the bottom. If the pot is too small, the roots of the honeysuckle will become root bound, which can damage the plant.
• Next, fill the pot with a light potting soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a pre-mixed potting soil, or you can make your own mix using equal parts compost, peat moss, and perlite.
• Before planting, soak the roots of the honeysuckle in water overnight. This will help to ensure the roots take up moisture and nutrients more easily. Once soaked, place your honeysuckle in the center of the pot and fill in the sides with soil, making sure to press the soil down firmly.
• Water your honeysuckle thoroughly and allow it to drain. Honeysuckle prefers consistently moist soil, but it does not like to be waterlogged. Check the soil regularly, and when it feels dry to the touch, water thoroughly.
• Place your pot in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Honeysuckle does best in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade.
• In order to keep your honeysuckle healthy and thriving, it is important to fertilize it regularly. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, and apply it every two to three weeks during the growing season.
• To maximize blooms, prune the vine once it has finished flowering. Cut back any long branches, as well as any dead or diseased growth.

9. Sweet William

Sweet William is a perennial with clusters of fragrant, red or purple flowers.

Growing Sweet William in pots is a great way to add a pop of color to your garden. Sweet William is an easy to grow annual flower that is native to Europe. It has a long-lasting blooming season and can be started from seed or cuttings. Here’s how to get started growing Sweet William in pots for beautiful blooms all summer long.

How to grow Sweet William in a pot ?

• Choose the Right Pot: The first step to growing Sweet William in pots is to choose the right pot. Sweet William plants need plenty of room to grow, so pick a pot that is at least 8 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter. The pot should also have drainage holes so the soil can drain properly.
• Fill with Potting Soil: Next, fill your pot with a high-quality potting soil. Potting soil is specially formulated to provide plants with the nutrients they need to thrive. Make sure to fill the pot to the top and give it a good watering.
• Plant the Seeds or Cuttings: Now that your pot is ready, it’s time to plant the seeds or cuttings. If you’re using seeds, plant them about a quarter-inch deep and keep the soil moist but not soggy. If you’re using cuttings, insert them into the soil at a shallow angle and water them.
• Place in the Sun: Sweet William plants need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, so be sure to place your pot in a sunny location. If you’re growing Sweet William indoors, you can place it near a sunny window.
• Water Regularly: Sweet William plants need to be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. Water your plants every 3-4 days and make sure to avoid overwatering.
• Fertilize: Fertilizing your Sweet William plants will help them grow strong and healthy. Use a water-soluble fertilizer and apply it every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.

10. Gardenia

Gardenias are prized for their fragrant, white flowers and glossy green leaves. If you love the look and scent of gardenias but don't have enough room in your yard for a gardenia bush, you can still enjoy these beautiful plants by growing gardenias in pots. 

How to grow Gardenia in a pot ?

With the right potting mix, proper care, and a bit of luck, you can have a thriving gardenia in a pot.

• Start with the Right Potting Mix: Gardenias prefer a soil that is acidic and well-draining. If your soil is too alkaline, your gardenia won't get the nutrients it needs. A good potting mix for growing gardenias should be a combination of equal parts peat moss, potting soil, and perlite.
• Pick the Perfect Pot: You'll want to choose a pot that is wide and shallow to provide enough room for the gardenia's root system. A pot that is 18 inches across and 12 inches deep should be large enough for a single gardenia bush. Make sure to choose a pot with drainage holes so excess water can escape.
• Provide Plenty of Light: Gardenias need plenty of sunlight to thrive. Position the pot in an area that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in a warmer climate, you may want to move the pot to a spot with some afternoon shade.
• Water and Fertilize Regularly: Gardenias need to be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. You should water the plant until the soil is moist but not soggy. You'll also want to fertilize your gardenia every two weeks during the growing season with an acid-based fertilizer.
• Watch for Pests and Disease: Gardenias can be affected by a variety of pests and diseases. Watch for signs of aphids, whiteflies, and other insects. It's also important to keep an eye out for gardenia diseases like root rot and powdery mildew. If you notice any signs of pests or disease, use an appropriate insecticide or fungicide to treat the problem.