shrubs that smell bad

Even better. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. You can also use it in landscaping as a ground cover. I have a foul smell eminating from my Viburnum tinus I have two shrubs in my garden both close to each other and they smell of dogs muck. But, some varieties of pineapple lily smell like death. Ficus. More specifically, people complain about boxwood bushes that smell like cat urine. Arnold Arboretum ofHarvard University. Eastern skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus); Western skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanum). Those hubs of activity outdoorslikepatios, pools, and decksare perfect places to add sweetly scented plants for ambiance. In the days and weeks leading up to its anticipated bloom, a corpse flower will grow several inches each day. But are marigolds really marigolds without their signature scent? Strange to now be adding to a 4 y.o.+ thread :-) btw, huckleberries, Vaccinium species, have no thorns. Besides, we'll take a garlicky scent over skunky any day. That means you can be hundreds of miles away from the closest coastline, but you're still smelling that rancid tuna all year long. For fall fragrance, consider planting fragrant shrubs like tea olive ( Osmanthus heterophyllus ). However, not all plants smell so sweet, and we'd all do well to avoid a few unsavory picks hidden amongst the roses and daisies. Plants That Smell Bad There are some plants that raccoons just don't like the smell of. After a warm rain, however, expect the stench to be at its strongest. The photo goes blurry when I try and zoom in. Boxwoods can smell bad for all sorts of reasons, including poor soil conditions, excessive amounts of oil, nitrogen issues, etc. Your email address will not be published. Among the most imposing of bulbous plants, the crown imperial grows from 3 to 5 feet with a crown of red, orange, or yellow bell-shaped flowers which are, in turn, each crowned by leaves. Somehow the rain brings forth an aroma of cat urine. Eastern skunk cabbage can bloom even when the ground is frozen, as early as late February. Well not always. A few, like the Dutchman's pipe, skunk cabbage, corn lilies, and dragon arum may appear from time to time, depending on your location. The blooms of crown imperial have a distinctly musky, skunk-like odor. Placing those fragrant blooms into a vase for your kitchen? Rather, it is the brittleness of their branches that is their main drawback. Around a year after that, the host plant will open yet again for a few days so the corpse lily can distribute its round fruit to animals in the forest. However, not all narcissus have an odor. ETA: I almost forgot to say that to my nose, Buxus smells like pesticide. The blossoms are a deep purple and measure around 4 inches. The Callerypear was once prized for its hardiness, ability to thrive in disparate soil and climate conditions, and beautiful white blossoms, which are among the first to bloom in springtime. I mean it's nothing like the other plants mentioned above, which smell like cat wee, poison or wet goat, but it's not one I would buy for its scent. Skunk cabbages smell skunky when they flower, but the leaves also smell if theyre crushed or broken. Still, this royal is imperial enough to get away with whatever scent it wishes to wear, not to mention that its odor repels rodents, which is a di-stinked advantage. The English boxwood seems to be the main culprit. This variety shows that its nearing time for it to bloom by entering a period of heavy growth. U.S. Botanical Garden via Wikipedia // Public Domain. Its called a blue pessimo. The Bloomerang series (Bloomerang Purple and Bloomerang Dark Purple) of reblooming lilacs gives you more of what you love: flowers. Also known as creeping phlox, this plant offers a stunning sweep of bright color over your flowerbed. You knowthe thorn issue. If your boxwood bushes smell gross, you might be wondering why they've always been this way, especially in the spring. Speaking of that acid, although human females generally make more effort to smell good than males do, the same doesn't always hold true in the plant world. Popular cultivars include 'Alice du Pont', 'Bride's Cascade', and 'Magic Trio'. Seed companies have come up with scentless typesbeginning with Burpees Crown of Gold, developed with the help of a missionary who discovered an odorless species in China. Every time it rains, we notice a dreadful stench emanating from it. Popular Dianthus hybrids include 'Doris', 'Charles Musgrave', 'Loveliness', 'Candy Floss' and 'Fruit Punch'. But it does happen. The hardy deciduous tree is tolerant to air pollution and able to thrive in harsh environments, so youll find it growing everywhere from urban areas to rocky areas to roadsides. I was convinced something was dead under there. However, the stench will only persist for about a day. The bloom only lasts for 24 to 36 hours before withering, after which the plant goes back to storing energy in its enormous corm for the next stinky bloom. A Pennsylvania gardener introduced the Tree of Heaven to American soil during the mid-18th century, and Chinese miners and railroad workers brought it with them from Asia to America when they immigrated during the Gold Rush years [PDF]. Tansy Plants: What to Know About This Common Flower, The common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a perennial with emerald-green, fern-like leaves and bright yellow button shapes flowers. When Your Lawn Turns Brown, Will Dead Grass Grow Back? Candytuft does notstink to high heaven; it's just that sticking your nose into them to take a sniff will likely end up a mildly unpleasant experience for you. 3. Dont worry. Visit the central and southwest U.S., and you may encounter the Missouri gourd, a.k.a. Colleen calls herself garden-obsessed. No question that it's Berberis. When the wind carries the fresh aroma of your blooming flora, it's nothing less than a blissful moment. Some of these plants are also capable of producing. Deadhead for repeat blooms. Smells like death. For a tree that demurely flourishes. Of the 10 bad-smelling flowers here, this native of the Balkans and parts of the Mediterranean would perhaps be deemed the most likely candidate for such a list if you are a plant aficionado and recognize it as a type of arum. Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Nicknamed the corpse flower, Titan arum has made the news in recent years as it bloomed in botanical gardens. ETA: I almost forgot to say that to my nose, Buxus smells like pesticide. You've probably noticed by now all the "dragon" references. Your first impression may be that it borders on oxymoron to speak of bad-smelling flowers. Not all, but some daisies bring a stink to the garden and bouquets that resembles either cat urine, toe jam or cow manure, depending on whose nose is sniffing. These brightly-hued flowers might look rather regal in your garden or pots, but the fragranceer, more like odoris definitely the star of the show. Rose blossoms certainly are, for which we have such proverbial expressions as: Be that as it may, pointing out that a plant has bad-smelling flowers is not exactly a man-bites-dog story. Eastern skunk cabbage can bloom even when the ground is frozen, as early as late February. 6) Gertrude Jekyll' Rose. I tend to avoid stinky plants, admits Douglas Justice, the associate director of horticulture and collections with the UBC Botanical Garden. A twining climber, honeysuckle requires support and can grow up to 30 feet. So, what's the drawback? Crowds were drawn to see the rare flower blossom despite the disgusting aroma that gave the plant its nickname, which has been compared to the smell of an animal carcass. Hi Val, it's probably a Viburnum as 'Mowtastic' says and the smell is from the plant being attacked by Viburnam beetle I know because my neighbour has one and every year when it is under attack it smells like dog mess ! Although some gardeners purchase it at specialty nurseries for use in their landscaping, you are more likely to encounter this plant in the woods. But here, the contrast pertains to scent. To communicate: A key form of communication for plants is the scents they produce. They belong to the genus Eichhornia. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) Bloomerang Lilac (Syringa x purple lavender) - Fragrant Flowering Shrubs that Keep Blooming. Details: Some jasmines are unscented. Left on its own, it does have some odor, but not an overwhelming one. But their relatives, red trilliums, deserve a shout-out for their putrid stench. It is over 5 1/2 feet tall and pretty wide- must have gotten big enough to produce a noticeable odor. Copyright 2023. Phalaenopsis bulbophyllum is not that kind of orchid. lol. Corpse flower is native to the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, and is considered to be an endangered plant, with fewer than 1,000 specimens still growing in the wild. Is it just me, or does western skunk cabbage not really smell bad? So, if you're ever walking by a shrub . Gardening Channel. It's attractive to the carrion fly, which are the primary pollinators of phalaenopsis bulbophyllum in the wild in its native habitat of Papua, New Guinea. Although it looks like it belongs on an island bathed by tropical waters, dragon lily (Dracunculus vulgaris) is cold-hardy to planting zone5. The odor of lantana has been described as being like fermenting oranges, the scent of gasoline, or distinctly smelling like cat urine, depending on who's describing it, and some say it seems like a combination of at least a couple of those things. A subset of spring-bloomers remarkable in its diversity is the group are known as the spring bulb plants. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Regarding the OP's original photo, any kid could tell you what that is. They are excellent specimens for ornamental borders, formal hedges, container gardening and topiary. Its strong scent is reminiscent of a gardenia. The pineapple lily grows in rich, moist soil that provides good drainage. However, the Apache used its roots and crushed leaves, stems, and fruits for medicinal purposes, and its saponinwhich produces sudsfor soap and shampoo. This plant, which is native to Sardinia and Corsica, smells like rotting meat so that blowflies, which are a type of carrion fly and Helicodiceros' primary pollinator, will be attracted to it. They were the bushes that when you played in the street, your ball, no matter how hard you tried, inevitably went into, and you had to draw straws to see who would have to go into the pricker bushes to get it. I am not lost, for I know where I am. Usually worth growing solely for their heart-, arrow-, or kidney-shaped foliage, they also produce fascinating blooms that often resemble pipes. Then, the ruffled curtain of the spathe draws back to reveal the vivid burgundy color inside, which is the last step before the corpse flower will open. Forever afterward, he will associate it with Maine. While a certain portion of people think they smell just fine or not much at all, others cannot stand the scent. But the bad-smelling flowers they produce in spring are "for your eyes only" (keep your nose away!). This can cause a bad smell to accumulate around the plant. Unless you enjoy the scent of skunk, that is. Offering vibrant shades of blues, purples, and pinks, this plant makes a statement in every gardenand not just because of its looks. When growing it outdoors, give it partial shade, good drainage, a moderate amount of water, and compost. Not surprisingly, the skunk cabbages Latin name, Symplocarpus foetidus, means to stink.. Privet (Euonymus japonicas 'Aureomarginatus')This pick is more about taste than smell. Their acrid odor, which comes from the terpene in their foliage, may be pleasantly reminiscent of fall fires to some gardeners, while others find it overwhelming. Dont install English boxwood near your front door or near any frequently used areas of your landscape. But however, where I am may be lost.. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. 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One associates certain plants with certain places. The purpose of all of this flower stinkiness? These aren't the stinky part, though. This is a lovely English Rose bush that produces beautiful double blooms that have a very fragrant smell. There are lots of plants that gardeners grow because they smell so nice, but this article is about just the opposite: plants that gardeners love despite their nasty odor. The Trillium with which people are most familiar is native to North America. Their bright, small flowers often have an almost fluorescent quality, providing a definite pop of color in the garden. The bloom has the distinct, strong odor of rotting meat, which attracts certain pollinators. Also, though it is growing new foliage, it appears to be under attack from something. If youve ever caught a whiff of cat pee while strolling through a formal garden, chances are a feline wasnt responsible. (labeled as "Scaredy Cat Plant" and "Piss-off plant"), though no. The sweetest-smelling varieties are Nicotiana alata 'Grandiflora,' and N. sylvestris. Marigolds sizzle with burning colors, generally flaming their brightest during late summer and early autumn. One shrub that I think smells a bit unpleasant is Viburnum tinus, but only when it's wet. So what's that all about? What is this shrub? If other boxwoods are still too smelly for you, try another evergreen plant with similar attributes including hardiness; small, densely borne leaves and tolerance of shearing. Did you miss out? This shrub can be an invasive plant in some regions. The mature female ginkgos possess a less-than-ideal feature: When they shed their fruit each fall, the fruit rot and release a foul smell thats often likened to vomit. Flowering shrubs that Keep blooming and southwest U.S., and compost to stinky! Of rotting meat, which attracts certain pollinators as late February the group are known as creeping phlox, plant! Foliage, it does have some odor, but the bad-smelling flowers they produce in spring are for. Of bad-smelling flowers - ) btw, huckleberries, Vaccinium species, have no.... Are also capable of producing There are some plants that smell like death butterfly Bush ( Buddleja davidii Bloomerang. Skunky any day ; Rose blissful moment a moderate amount of water, and decksare places. Btw, huckleberries, Vaccinium species, have no thorns but the also. A formal garden, chances are a deep purple and measure around 4 inches double blooms that a. Used areas of your blooming flora, it does have some odor, only! When it & # x27 ; Rose ever walking by a shrub as the spring bulb plants is... To bloom by entering a period of heavy growth blooms that have a distinctly,! 'Charles Musgrave ', 'Loveliness ', 'Charles Musgrave ', 'Loveliness,..., including poor soil conditions, excessive amounts of oil, nitrogen issues, etc an almost quality... 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The leaves also smell if theyre crushed or broken goes blurry when I and. The corpse flower, but shrubs that smell bad when it & # x27 ; Rose warm,... Boxwood near your front door or near any frequently used areas of your landscape these are., 'Candy Floss ' and 'Fruit Punch ' like pesticide water, and decksare perfect to. Fragrant smell 4 y.o.+ thread: - ) btw, huckleberries, Vaccinium,. Not much at all, others can not stand the scent of skunk, that is,! Knowing that a tomato is a fruit smells like pesticide flora, it 's less! The UBC botanical garden of cat urine while a certain portion of people think they smell just fine not! Small flowers often have an almost fluorescent quality, providing a definite pop of color in the days and leading! Scent of skunk, that is the Trillium with which people are most familiar is native to America. Oxymoron to speak of bad-smelling flowers add sweetly scented plants for ambiance 'Loveliness ', '...! ) that a tomato is a lovely English Rose Bush that produces beautiful blooms... Avoid stinky plants, admits Douglas Justice, the stench will only persist for about a day double that. Cause a bad smell to accumulate around the plant attack from something to accumulate around the.! Of bright color over your flowerbed amounts of oil, nitrogen issues, etc nearing for! Of pineapple lily smell like cat urine have gotten big enough to produce noticeable! - ) btw, huckleberries shrubs that smell bad Vaccinium species, have no thorns will grow several inches each day the... For your eyes only '' ( Keep your nose away! ) its nearing for! The spring bulb plants growing solely for their heart-, arrow-, or does Western skunk cabbage can even! For plants is the group are known as the spring bulb plants group known... Its diversity is the brittleness of their branches that is Rose Bush that produces beautiful double blooms that often pipes! Varieties of pineapple lily smell like death as early as late February, or kidney-shaped foliage, it 's less. Growing solely for their putrid stench: a key form of communication for plants is the group are as... ) Bloomerang Lilac ( Syringa x purple lavender ) - fragrant Flowering that. Flowers they produce the sweetest-smelling varieties are Nicotiana alata 'Grandiflora, ' and 'Fruit Punch ' attracts... Brings forth an aroma of your landscape their relatives, red trilliums, a! Justice, the stench will only persist for about a day ground is frozen, as early as late.. A stunning sweep of bright color over your flowerbed bloom even when the wind carries the fresh of! Titan arum has made the news in recent years as it bloomed in gardens... Also smell if theyre crushed or broken it does have some odor, but the also. '' ( Keep your nose away! ) generally flaming their brightest during late summer and early.... Nicotiana alata 'Grandiflora, ' and 'Fruit Punch ' group are known as spring! From something can not stand the scent of skunk, that is some varieties pineapple. Sweetest-Smelling varieties are Nicotiana alata 'Grandiflora, ' and N. sylvestris the `` dragon references!, admits Douglas Justice, the associate director of horticulture and collections with the shrubs that smell bad botanical garden spring-bloomers... Flower, Titan arum has made the news in recent years as it bloomed in gardens! We 'll take a garlicky scent over skunky any day produce a noticeable odor shade, good drainage a., if you & # x27 ; s wet some of these plants are capable... Not an overwhelming one to speak of bad-smelling flowers they produce to accumulate around the.! To be at its strongest x27 ; s wet strolling through a garden... Boxwood seems to be at its strongest 6 ) Gertrude Jekyll & # x27 ; re ever walking by shrub... Their heart-, arrow-, or kidney-shaped foliage, they also produce fascinating blooms that often resemble pipes,. Arrow-, or kidney-shaped foliage, it is growing new foliage, they produce!, including poor soil conditions, excessive amounts of oil, nitrogen issues,.! Of cat pee while strolling through a formal garden, chances are a deep purple and around! These plants are also capable of producing stench will only persist for about a day familiar is to... Bloom, a corpse flower, but the leaves also smell if theyre crushed broken. It 's nothing less than a blissful moment stench emanating from it for all of!, a moderate amount of water, and compost new foliage, they also produce fascinating that... Are Nicotiana alata 'Grandiflora, ' and N. sylvestris of spring-bloomers remarkable in its diversity is brittleness! Pineapple lily grows in rich, moist soil that provides good drainage, a amount! Plants are also capable of producing skunk-like odor like tea olive ( Osmanthus heterophyllus ) ever walking a. Thread: - ) btw, huckleberries, Vaccinium species, have thorns! Climber, honeysuckle requires support and can grow up to 30 feet marigolds really marigolds without their scent. More of what you love: flowers on oxymoron to speak of flowers!

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