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Fall Scents for the Garden

When the air turns crisp and the late-season light shifts, fragrance in the garden becomes even more magical. Fall is one of the most underrated fragrance seasons — cooler temperatures help floral and herbal scents linger longer, often carrying farther across the garden than they do in summer heat.

And here in the Bay Area, fall is the best time to plant.

The soil is still warm, the sun is softer, and the rains return — which all help root systems establish beautifully. Plants you put in the ground now settle in fast… and reward you with fragrance this fall and even stronger blooms next spring.

At SummerWinds Nursery, you’ll find a selection of fall-friendly fragrant plants* — perfect for borders, near entryways, outside seating areas… or anywhere you’ll enjoy those sweet fall air moments.

*Availability varies by store

Fragrant Shrubs & Small Trees for Autumn

Sweet Osmanthus (Fragrant Olive)

Tiny creamy flowers with a warm, apricot-like fragrance that peaks in autumn. Evergreen, elegant — ideal near paths or patios.

Daphne ‘Eternal Fragrance’

Blooms repeatedly from spring through fall — offering sweet, perfumy scent into the cooler months.

Roses (Fragrant Varieties)

Many heirloom-scented roses continue blooming well into fall here — giving one more wave of that classic rose perfume.

Perennials & Herbs With Fall Fragrance

Lavender

English and hybrid lavenders (Grosso, Provence, Phenomenal) bring lingering fall fragrance — and evergreen aromatic foliage.

Heliotrope

Warm, vanilla-like fragrance that continues into mild fall weather here.

Rosemary

Evergreen, aromatic, and often showing fresh buds toward late fall.

Scented Foliage That Performs in Cool Weather

These deliver fragrance when brushed or crushed — perfect along walkways and seating areas:

• Lemon Verbena
• Scented Geraniums
• White Sage
• Yerba Buena (native + great in bright shade)

All of these are excellent in containers — and many overwinter well here.

Plant this fall — enjoy fragrance now and next year

Fall planting = stronger roots, more resilient growth, and more abundant fragrance next spring.

Plus — you don’t have to wait. With the right plants, your garden can smell wonderful this season.