by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener
Imagine a garden that not only delights your eyes with vibrant colors and lush textures but also tantalizes your nose with the irresistible aroma of chocolate. While the idea might sound like a Willy Wonka dream, the reality is closer than you think. Nature gifted gardeners with various plants that mimic the rich, comforting fragrance of everyone’s favorite treat, the cocoa tree, Theobroma cacao.
Why Chocolate-Scented Plants?
Chocolate-scented flowers are a unique way to add a sensory element to any garden. They’re not just pretty; they evoke memories, spark conversations, and even attract pollinators like butterflies. Plus, who doesn’t love the subtle waft of chocolate as they stroll through their gardens?
Deliciously Fragrant Plants when you like chocolate.
Chocolate Cosmos boasts dark burgundy flowers as a feast for the eyes and nose. They attract pollinators while adding a touch of drama to your garden. They’re drought-tolerant and easy to grow from seed.
Chocolate Daisy, Berlandiera lyrata, is a charming wildflower that boasts small yellow blooms that emit a surprisingly strong chocolate scent. It’s a low-maintenance option that blooms from spring through fall.
Chocolate Mint, Mentha piperita, is a culinary herb with a twist that adds a hint of chocolate to your favorite dishes and beverages. It’s easy to grow in a container or garden bed.
Chocolate Ruffles Coralbells add a touch of drama and intrigue to shady spots in your garden. This local perennial boasts deeply ruffled leaves in a rich, chocolatey hue that adds depth and texture to borders and containers. Its foliage is so captivating that it almost overshadows the delicate pink flowers that bloom on tall stalks in late spring.
Chocolate Vine, Akebia quinata, is a vigorous vine that adds vertical interest to your garden while releasing a delightful chocolate aroma. It grows in any garden condition that rivals honeysuckle for hardiness, fast growth, and green all year long.
Hot Cocoa Rose indulges your senses. This captivating floribunda boasts velvety, reddish-brown blooms that reveal a warm, inviting fragrance reminiscent of hot chocolate. A visual and olfactory delight ensuring a long season of enjoyment in your landscape.
Sweet Hot Chocolate Daylily boasts deep, velvety red blooms that resemble a decadent cup of hot chocolate, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness to any garden. Its trumpet-shaped flowers add
visual appeal and attract pollinators with their sweet nectar. With its long blooming season and resilience, this daylily brings a touch of summer indulgence to your landscape that will last for weeks, making it a delightful addition for any garden enthusiast.
Tiger Eyes Viola is a showstopper with its vibrant, eye-catching blooms. The petals are a striking combination of deep purple and golden yellow, resembling the fierce gaze of a tiger. Not only are they visually stunning, but Tiger Eyes Violas bloom profusely in cooler temperatures, making them a perfect choice for adding a burst of color to your spring and fall landscapes.
Tips for Growing Chocolate-Scented Plants:
- Research: Choose plants well-suited to your sun exposure and growing conditions.
- Placement: Consider planting fragrant flowers near patios, walkways, or windows so you can fully enjoy their scent.
- Companion Plants: Combine chocolate-scented flowers with other fragrant varieties, such as lavender, jasmine, or roses, for a layered sensory experience.
Ready to transform your garden into a chocolate lover’s paradise? Visit Watters Garden Center for a wide selection of chocolate-scented plants and expert advice from our friendly staff.
Let your garden bloom with the sweet scent of indulgence!
Until next week, I’ll be helping gardeners plant more delicious flowers here at Watters Garden Center.
