FLOWER BOMB

Pot up your favourite perfume with these scented beauties, which thrive in planters Gardenia

This shrub’s glossy green leaves form a perfect backdrop for the intoxicatingly scented, brilliant white or creamy yellow blooms. Plant in potting mix suitable for acid-loving plants, position in full sun and, when flowering, feed regularly with a high-potassium liquid fertiliser.

Lavender

Both the fine, silver-green foliage and mauve-purple flower spikes (some varieties also come in other colours such as pink and white) of this perennial shrub are highly aromatic. There are many different species and varieties, each with differing growth habits. Generally, lavender needs at least six hours of sun a day and twice weekly watering in summer and winter.

Heliotrope

Known as cherry pie, this evergreen perennial grows into a bun-shaped shrub. Small, purple-blue flowers appear from early spring to late summer and have a vanilla and cherry pie scent. Position the pot in full sun or part shade and use a quality potting mix. Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

Daphne

With its lemony fragrant scent, daphne is a Kiwi favourite. Opt for a neutral pH soil, with no lime content and high in organic matter. Plant in a shady spot and, importantly, make sure the soil is well drained as it doesn’t tolerate wet feet. ◆

FOR MORE PLANTS, VISIT

bunnings.co.nz/plants Gardenia

(Gardenia augusta) Deadhead spent blooms and prune after flowering to encourage bushy growth.

SAFETY TIP

AVOID PLANTING HELIOTROPE IF YOU HAVE PETS, AS IT IS TOXIC TO DOGS

Heliotrope

(Heliotropium arborescens) This shrub can grow over a metre tall and wide, so prune in spring to keep it compact.

Lavender

(Lavandula spp.) Plant lavender where you can brush against the foliage to release its scented oils.

Daphne

(Daphne odora) Flowers will last longer in the vase if you pick them in early morning. This is when they have most moisture.

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