Yellow flowers bring cheer and joy to any garden thanks to their bright, vibrant shades of yellow. Many yellow flowers also produce pungent fragrances, especially during the summer. In this article, we’ll explore 25 of the most fragrant yellow flowers, including chamomile, jasmine, and more.
What Makes Flowers Fragrant?
Although we love the beautiful fragrances flowers produce in our gardens, these aromas aren’t actually for us. Flowers have fragrances for two main reasons: attracting pollinators and repelling potential predators.
The fragrances that plants produce are types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that disperse quickly through the air. The scent is created as essential oils within the flowers evaporate. Each flower produces a slightly different aroma, so some plants may appear to be more fragrant than others.
Flowers that produce sweet fragrances are geared toward attracting pollinators. Insects are drawn to flowers because they need sugary nectar and pollen. Flowers that have strong herbal scents use these fragrances to deter predators and pests like aphids or slugs.
Are Yellow Flowers More Fragrant Than Other Types of Flowers?
Many types of yellow flowers can be highly fragrant, but the color doesn’t necessarily determine how strong the scent is. However, some plants use specific color and chemical combinations to attract specific pollinators. These combinations allow pollinators to locate the flowers even on windy days when the fragrance is less potent.
Can You Amplify the Scent of Yellow Flowers?
Most flowers attribute the strength of their scent to genetics rather than particular horticultural practices. Unfortunately, modern breeding methods have actually reduced the scent of many popular flowers. Thankfully, moisture can help flowers produce stronger fragrances. Water your flowers frequently to help them smell fantastic.
Your local climate can also influence how fragrant your flowers are. Some studies have found that higher temperatures can limit the fragrance of flowers. Typically, hot temperatures in USDA Zones 7 to 11 can reduce the scent of your flowers.
25 of the Most Fragrant Yellow Flowers
1) Chamomile
German chamomile, also known as wild chamomile, is one of two main types of chamomile. This fragrant yellow flower is a herbaceous annual from the aster or daisy family (Asteraceae). It’s native to parts of eastern and southern Europe.
German chamomile grows in clumps of delicate, feathery leaves, producing daisy-like flowers. The flowers have yellow central florets surrounded by white ray petals. German chamomile is used to create essential oils for perfumes.
| Common and Botanical Names: | German chamomile, Wild chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | German chamomile has an intense, sweet scent with warm undertones similar to tobacco. German chamomile also has a herbaceous scent. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | June to July |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) |
2) Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are highly variable herbaceous perennials from the aster or daisy family. They are native to parts of Asia and Europe.
Chrysanthemums come in several forms, from single flowers with central florets to large double blooms with inwardly-curved petals. Yellow chrysanthemums come in shades from bright yellow to pale yellow.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Chrysanthemums have a sweet, slightly spicy scent similar to that of cloves or nutmeg. The fragrance also has menthol tones, adding a refreshing element. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | September to October |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Chrysanthemum ‘Conaco Yellow’, Chrysanthemum ‘Fireglow Bronze’, Chrysanthemum ‘King’s Pleasure’ |
3) Common Evening Primrose
Common evening primrose is a charming yellow biennial from the evening primrose or willowherb family (Onagraceae). These fragrant yellow flowers are native to parts of Central and Eastern North America. They flower from early summer until fall.
Common evening primrose produces cup-shaped yellow flowers with four petals and faint red veins. The flowers quickly open up during the evening when they first bloom. Each flower only lasts until the following afternoon.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Common Evening Primrose, Evening star, Suncup (Oenothera biennis) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Common evening primroses produce a light citrus scent similar to lemons. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | June to September |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) |
4) Daylily
Daylilies are beautiful herbaceous perennials from the Asphodelaceae family. These clump-forming flowers are native to parts of Asia, such as China, Japan, and Korea. Daylilies grow well in Zones 3 to 9.
Daylilies are famous for their large, vibrant flowers that only last one day. Some daylilies can produce several flowers throughout the season. Daylilies have trumpet-shaped flowers with six thick waxy petals and sepals.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Daylilies can produce subtle or pungent fragrances. Some daylilies have a faint sweet or lemony scent, while others produce thick jasmine-like scents. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | July to August |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Hemerocallis ‘Fragrant Returns’, Hemerocallis ‘Hyperion’, Hemerocallis ‘Northbrook Star’. |
5) Frangipani
Frangipani are gorgeous flowering trees from the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). These fragrant yellow flowers are native to tropical areas in Central and South America and the Caribbean and thrive in USDA Zones 10 to 12.
Frangipani has glossy green leaves but is known for its beautiful flowers. These star-shaped blooms have five overlapping petals in gorgeous shades of yellow, white, or pink. Frangipani trees can grow up to 25 feet tall.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Frangipani (Plumeria spp.) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Frangipani flowers have a thick, sweet scent similar to gardenia or jasmine. This fragrance also has soft peachy tones. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | July to October |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Common frangipani (Plumeria rubra) |
6) Freesia
Freesia is a herbaceous perennial from the iris family (Iridaceae). Freesia plants are native to southern Africa’s eastern regions and grow from underground corms, which produce long, narrow leaves.
Most Freesia plants produce groups of tubular flowers that each have six petals. However, some varieties produce flat flowers. Freesia flowers come in several colors, such as yellow, white, pink, and red.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Freesia (Freesia spp.) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Freesia flowers produce a fruity, sweet fragrance similar to strawberries. The scent can also smell like a fairly light jasmine fragrance. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | June to August |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Freesia ‘Double Yellow’, Freesia ‘Golden Yellow’ |
7) Gardenia
Gardenias are evergreen shrubs from the coffee family (Rubiaceae). These popular flowering shrubs are native to tropical or subtropical parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, and grow well in Zones 8 to 11.
Gardenias produce beautiful semi-double or double flowers with elegant petals. The shrubs also have glossy evergreen foliage. Gardenia flowers are usually pink or white, but some yellow varieties are available.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Gardenia (Gardenia spp.) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Gardenia flowers produce a heavy, sweet fragrance with hints of peach. Some Gardenias have slightly spicy scents. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | May to July |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Gardenia jasminoides ‘Aurea’, Gardenia jasminoides ‘Golden Magic’ |
8) Golden Trumpet
Golden trumpet plants are evergreen climbers from the dogbane family. These fragrant yellow flowers are native to tropical parts of Brazil. Golden trumpets are frequently grown as houseplants but can thrive in Zones 10 & 11.
Golden trumpet plants are climbing vines that produce bright yellow tubular star-shaped flowers. These flowers have a heavy, sweet scent similar to jasmine in single or double flowers.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Golden Trumpet, Common Trumpetvine, Yellow Allamanda (Allamanda cathartica) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Golden trumpet flowers produce a thick, sweet, floral scent similar to the heavy scent of jasmine. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | June to August |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Golden Trumpet (Allamanda cathartica) |
9) Goldenrod
Goldenrods are herbaceous perennial wildflowers that belong to the aster or daisy family. They are native to prairies and woodlands across North America and Mexico and as hardy wildflowers thrive in Zones 2 to 8.
Goldenrods produce tall, upright stems that flower during the summer. Goldenrods have clusters of fluffy daisy-like bright yellow flowers. These important wildflowers are a keystone species that supports insects such as bees, butterflies, and wasps.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Goldenrod has an unusual skunk-like scent with notes of coffee, licorice, or lemon |
| Peak Flowering Season: | June to September |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), Sweet goldenrod (Solidago odora) |
10) Honeysuckle
Honeysuckles are some of the most iconic and popular fragrant yellow flowers known for their scent. Honeysuckles are indigenous to parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. These hardy perennial vines belong to the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae).
These plants are deciduous or evergreen climbing vines with oval-shaped leaves. Honeysuckles produce clusters of fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers with long, delicate stamens, thriving in Zones 3 to 9.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Honeysuckle flowers produce a thick, heady, sweet fragrance with a hint of vanilla. The scent is similar to jasmine. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | May to July |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Lonicera periclymenum ‘Heaven Scent’, Yellow honeysuckle (Lonicera flava) |
11) Jasmine
Few flowers are as famous for their fragrance as jasmine. Jasmine is a deciduous or evergreen perennial from the lilac or olive family (Oleaceae). These plants grow as shrubs or climbers throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Pacific.
These fragrant yellow flowers produce clusters of small, star-shaped flowers with five slender petals. Jasmine flowers come in shades of white, pink, and yellow. Jasmine grows best in Zones 6 to 10.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Jasmine (Jasminum spp.) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Jasmine flowers have a pungent sweet scent. This heady exotic fragrance is thick and hangs in the air. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | June to August |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Common yellow jasmine (Jasminum fruticans), Italian yellow jasmine (Jasminum humile) |
12) Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a fragrant, herbaceous perennial from the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to parts of Asia and Europe. This helpful herb is primarily grown for essential oil and grows best in Zones 3 to 7.
Lemon balm produces wrinkled, heart-shaped leaves with toothed edges. The leaves have a lemony scent, primarily when crushed. Lemon balm also produces tiny white or pale yellow flowers.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Lemon balm has a strong lemony scent with hints of mint. The fragrance comes more from the leaves than the flowers. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | June to August |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) |
13) Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley is a herbaceous perennial from the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). They are native to the Northern Hemisphere and have a short spring bloom time.
Lily of the Valley produces stalks of nodding white bell-shaped flowers. Some varieties have yellow edges on their leaves, and grow best in Zones 3 to 9.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Lily of the Valley, May Bells, Mary’s Tears (Convallaria majalis) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Lily of the Valley has a light, fresh scent similar to jasmine. The fragrance also has floral tones. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | May |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Lily of the Valley ‘Hardwick Hall’ |
14) Marigold
Marigolds are herbaceous annuals or perennials from the daisy family (Asteraceae), native to Mexico, and thrive in Zones 2 to 11. Marigolds have a musky, bitter scent that deters pests and predators such as aphids and slugs. This makes marigolds excellent companion plants.
Marigolds grow in clumps of pinnate leaves and produce large pom-pom-like flowers. These flowers come in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Marigold (Tagetes spp.) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Marigolds produce a strong, musky fragrance with sharp, bitter notes similar to hay or straw. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | June to August |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Aztec marigold (Tagetes erecta), French marigold (Tagetes patula) |
15) Mimosa
Mimosa plants are evergreen shrubs and trees from the legume or pea family (Fabaceae). These fast-growing trees are native to Australia but have also been introduced to the Mediterranean. Mimosa trees bloom in the spring and emit a thick, honey-like scent.
These trees have bipinnate bluish-green or grayish-green leaves, producing dense clusters of fragrant, fluffy flowers with bright yellow petals. Mimosa trees grow well in Zones 9 to 11.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Mimosa, Blue wattle, Silver wattle (Acacia dealbata) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Mimosa plants produce a sweet, thick scent similar to honey. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | February to March |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Mimosa (Acacia dealbata) |
16) Narcissus
More frequently known as daffodils, narcissus are flowering perennials from the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). These iconic spring fragrant yellow flowers are native to the Mediterranean but have been introduced worldwide. Daffodils grow from underground bulbs.
Daffodils produce tall, hollow stems bearing solitary trumpet-shaped flowers. Some varieties have small flowers, while others produce large blooms. Daffodils also have clumps of narrow, strap-like leaves.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Narcissus, Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Daffodils have varied scents that can be thick and sweet or subtle and light. Some daffodils also have spicy fragrances. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | February to March |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Narcissus ‘Baby Moon’, Narcissus ‘Carlton’, Narcissus ‘Grand Soleil d’Or’ |
17) Osmanthus
Osmanthus plants are evergreen shrubs and trees native to eastern regions of Asia. These plants come from the olive family (Oleaceae); some species are known as sweet olives. Osmanthus thrives in Zones 8 to 11.
These shrubs have coarse, simple leaves with toothed edges. During the summer, Osmanthus shrubs produce panicles of white or yellow flowers with four lobes. Osmanthus has been cultivated in China for centuries.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Osmanthus, Devilwood (Osmanthus spp.) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Osmanthus flowers have a strong, thick scent similar to jasmine with a hint of animal musk. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | June to September |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Sweet osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), Osmanthus fragrans ‘Conger Yellow’ |
18) Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum is a flowering annual from the brassica or cabbage family (Brassicaceae). This aromatic plant is native to the Mediterranean but has spread to other temperate climates. Sweet alyssum grows well in Zones 5 to 9.
Sweet alyssum is a low-growing annual with lots of branched stems. From summer until fall, these stems erupt with dense clusters of tiny white, purple, or yellow fragrant flowers. After flowering, sweet alyssum disperses its seeds on the wind.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Sweet Alyssum, Sweet Alison (Lobularia maritima) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Sweet Alyssum flowers have a thick, sweet scent similar to honey. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | June to October |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) |
19) Tulip
Tulips are one of the most popular flowers in the world. These bulbous perennials come from the lily family (Lilaceae) and are native to parts of Southern Europe and the Middle East. Tulips thrive in Zones 3 to 7.
Tulips grow from bulbs that produce a few large, waxy sword-shaped leaves. Each stem has a large, vibrant goblet-shaped flower that can be red, orange, yellow, purple, or white.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Tulip (Tulipa spp.) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Tulips have various scents depending on the exact variety. Some tulips produce citrus scents, while others have honey-like fragrances. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | April to May |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Tulipa ‘Big Smile’, Tulipa ‘Strong Gold’, Tulipa ‘Verona’ |
20) Wisteria
Wisterias are a group of four woody vines from the legume or pea family (Fabaceae), native to Eastern Asia and parts of North America. Wisterias grow well in Zones 5 to 9 and are popular ornamental plants.
Wisterias are woody vines with climbing stems and alternate, pinnate leaves. During late spring, wisterias erupt with dense, hanging clusters of small pea-like flowers.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Wisteria (Wisteria spp.) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Wisteria flowers often have strong, heady scents similar to jasmine. Some species may have delicate scents. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | May to June |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) |
21) Yarrow
Yarrow is a perennial from the aster or daisy family, native to parts of Asia, Europe, and North America. Across its native range, yarrow is a vital wildflower for pollinators. Yarrow grows best in Zones 3 to 9.
Yarrow plants have tall, upright stems with frilly, fragrant leaves and produce sizeable flat flower clusters that provide landing pads for hoverflies and other pollinators.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Yarrow (Achillea spp.) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Yarrow flowers have a strong, pungent scent similar to chrysanthemums or crushed pine needles. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | June to November |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Achillea ‘Coronation Gold’, Achillea ‘Credo’, Achillea ‘Moonshine’ |
22) Yellow Canna Lily
Canna lilies are beautiful herbaceous perennials from the Cannaceae family. These fragrant yellow flowers thrive in tropical and subtropical climates and are native to North and South America. Canna lilies grow best in Zones 9 to 10.
Canna lilies spread via rhizomes and produce large, flat leaves. They also have large, showy flowers with three petals and three sepals. Canna lilies come in shades of yellow, red, and orange.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Yellow Canna Lily (Canna spp.) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Canna lilies have subtle scents ranging from sweet to slightly spicy. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | July to October |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Canna ‘Cannova Yellow’, Canna ‘Toucan Yellow’, Canna ‘Tropical Yellow’ |
23) Yellow Columbine
Columbines are attractive wildflowers indigenous throughout the Northern Hemisphere. These plants belong to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and inhabit meadows and shady woodlands. Columbines grow best in Zones 5 to 8.
These fragrant yellow flowers are herbaceous perennials with woody stems and leaves with three lobes. Columbines also produce colorful tubular flowers with distinctive hooked spurs behind the petals.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Yellow Columbine, Granny’s Bonnet (Aquilegia spp.) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Columbine flowers have a pleasantly sweet fragrance that smells a bit like honeysuckle. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | April to June |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Golden Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha), Aquilegia chrysantha ‘Yellow Queen’ |
24) Yellow Magnolia
Magnolias are impressive flowering trees and shrubs that first evolved millions of years ago. These fragrant yellow flowers belong to the Magnoliaceae family and are native to parts of America and Asia. Magnolia trees grow best in Zones 5 to 9.
Magnolia trees produce large, bowl-shaped flowers with rugged, waxy petals. These flowers come in shades of white, yellow, and pink. Magnolia trees can be either deciduous or evergreen.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Yellow Magnolia (Magnolia spp.) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Magnolia flowers produce a strong, sweet scent with fruity and floral notes. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | March to June |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Magnolia ‘Butterflies’, Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’, Magnolia ‘Solar Flair’ |
25) Yellow Roses
Roses are some of the most iconic fragrant yellow flowers in the world. Roses are woody perennial shrubs from the Rosaceae family and are primarily native to Asia. Many roses grow well in Zones 5 to 9, but some can be tricky to cultivate.
Roses have beautiful single, double, or semi-double flowers with vibrant ruffled petals. They also have thorns on their woody stems. Roses are some of the most popular cut flowers in the world, renowned for their strong fragrances.
| Common and Botanical Names: | Yellow Roses (Rosa spp.) |
| What Do They Smell Like?: | Roses have a beautiful floral scent that can be fruity or spicy. Yellow roses tend to have fruity scents. |
| Peak Flowering Season: | June to August |
| Most Fragrant Varieties: | Rosa ‘Ch-ching!’, Rosa ‘Golden Celebration’, Rosa ‘Julia Child’ |
Fragrant Yellow Flowers FAQs:
What Do Yellow Flowers Symbolize?
Yellow flowers have a range of symbolic meanings across cultures. Yellow flowers symbolize joy, hope, happiness, and abundance. They can also represent things like jealousy and disappointment. Yellow flowers are also associated with honoring loved ones who have passed away.
What Do Yellow Flowers Mean Spiritually?
Yellow flowers have several spiritual meanings depending on different cultural beliefs. The spiritual meanings of yellow flowers include confidence, happiness, friendliness, strength, and optimism. Yellow flowers are also spiritually associated with creativity.
What is the Most Fragrant Yellow Flower?
Different flowers can vary in their strength of fragrance. Some of the most fragrant yellow flowers include yellow roses, yellow honeysuckle, and yellow jasmine.
What Determines the Fragrance of a Yellow Flower?
The fragrance of yellow flowers is determined by their genetic makeup. Floral fragrances are produced when essential oils within the flowers evaporate, allowing the fragrances to travel through the air as VOCs. Some flowers also have specific combinations of colors and chemicals to attract particular pollinators.
How Do You Make Yellow Flowers More Fragrant?
Although floral fragrances are determined by genetics, you can slightly increase the fragrance through correct care. Flowers need lots of moisture to produce their best scent. Water your flowers frequently to help them create pungent aromas, especially in hot weather.
Fragrant Yellow Flowers – Wrapping Up
Many yellow flowers also produce wonderful fragrances, adding an extra dimension to our gardens. Some popular fragrant yellow flowers include honeysuckle, jasmine, magnolias, and roses. Many yellow flowers have lemony, fruity, or spicy scents to attract pollinators or deter pests. Watering your flowers frequently helps them produce strong fragrances for you to enjoy.
Edd is a budding content writer and gardener living in the United Kingdom. He has a bachelor's degree in Creative and Professional Writing and has written for several gardening publications online. He is passionate about nature and sustainability with a focus on gardening and wildlife.
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