Fragrant Drought Tolerant Container Plants Part 1: Selections

Desert gardening doesn’t have to be just cacti and succulents; there are many drought tolerant plants that are dainty and fragrant. Fragrant drought tolerant plants can make a spectacular display in containers when you want a low maintenance and portable garden design. Plants for containers can be rearranged and changed at a whim, creating many different looks. These three drought tolerant plants are designed for containers and work well in both desert gardens and in container gardens.

Four-o-clock (Mirabilis jalapa)

The four-o-clock is a fast growing evergreen that is both fragrant and drought tolerant. It is incredibly easy to grow. This leafy perennial grows 2 to 3 feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide. Clusters of flowers are aromatic and are typically red, pink, yellow, white, or magenta. Blooms will only open in the evenings from spring to fall. They should be in any soil with a full sun lighting. They do tolerate partial shade too. Propagate by seed or tuber division in USDA hardiness zones of 7 through 11. Four-o-clock’s are poisonous and should not be ingested.

Carolina Yellow Jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens)

The Carolina yellow jasmine is a vine from the logania family. It is an evergreen that grows quickly, and both drought tolerant and fragrant. It grows 20 feet long with green leaves and clustered tubular flowers. Leaves are glossy and have pointed tips. Blooms are yellow and arrive from winter to spring. Carolina yellow jasmine should be in sun or partial shade. Propagate by softwood cuttings, seed, or by layering in USDA hardiness zones of 7 through 9. This is another poisonous plant and should not be ingested.

Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

Japanese honeysuckle is an easy to grow vine that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. It is fast growing as well as drought tolerant and aromatic. It grows 30 feet long in a woody vine, with leaves hat are evergreen in mild weather and deciduous in cold climates. Flowers are tubular, beginning with white in the morning and turning yellow in the second day. There are also blue-black berries for fruits. Other varieties have different colors. Plant this in full sun or partial shade with any type of soil. Propagate by seed or layering in USDA hardiness zones of 4 through 10. While not poisonous, it is considered invasive.

These three plant profiles are good starters to container gardening. They survive drought very well and they have a great scent. These work well on patios and porches to have a bit of aroma wafting through the breezes. More plant profiles are in Part Two of Fragrant Drought Tolerant Container Plants