Visual appeal isn't the only joy that trees bring to the garden. Their flowers and even leaves can emit delightful scents that transform a space. To maximise enjoyment, plant near a seating area or somewhere you walk past.
From flowers with gentle sweet smells to heady aromas or foliage that smells good enough to eat, here are our top pick of trees for fragrance.
Prunus x yedoensis Yoshino Cherry
This small, wide spreading tree is popular for its white flowers that have a delicate sweet almond scent. The flowers can sometimes have a pink blush and emerge in clusters in March/April.
Syringa vulgaris 'Beauty Of Moscow'
In April-May, double white flowers arranged in panicles emerge from pink buds. They have a pleasing fragrance and attract both bees and butterflies.
Magnolia 'Heaven Scent'
As the name implies, the large, pink goblet shaped flowers are highly fragrant. The flowering period is April-May, with the flowers contrasting wonderfully with the dark green foliage.
Cytisus battandieri 'Yellow Tail'
In June/July, bright yellow pea-like flowers are held in dense cones and give off a distinctive pineapple scent which is popular with butterflies, bees and other insects.
Cercidiphyllum japonicum Katsura tree
The Katsura tree has small heart shaped, bright green leaves. In autumn, they turn vibrant shades of orange, red and purple and produce a delicious and distinctive scent of burnt sugar or caramel.
Laurus nobilis
Bay Laurel has wonderful aromatic evergreen foliage. The glossy, slender leaves not only look and smell good, they are also great for adding flavour to foods such as stews and soups
Prunus 'Fragrant Cloud'
Also known as Prunus 'Shizuka', this tree has richly scented large, semi-double flowers. The blossom is white when it appear in May and slowly fades to pink.
Syringa 'Pink Perfume'
If space is limited but you still want sweetly scented flowers, look no further than 'Pink Perfume'. The pink flowers of this dwarf Lilac make an appearance in spring-summer and often return again in summer-autumn.
Wisteria sinensis 'Prematura'
In summer, graceful racemes are covered with an abundance of mauve/purple, pea-like, scented flowers. They are very popular with bees and other pollinating insects.
Tilia cordata 'Greenspire'
This Small Leaved Lime tree has highly fragrant, small ivory flowers. They sit amongst heart shaped foliage in July and attract bees.
