10 Fragrant Herbs That'll Make Your Patio Smell Good All Summer

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There are plenty of small patio ideas to spruce up your backyard without a lot of space. When we're surrounded by greenery, most of us feel calmer and more at ease. It's no secret that potted plants of all sizes can give your patio the relaxed ambiance you're likely hoping to create in your outdoor living area. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a beginner, hardy herbs number among the easiest plants to grow in containers. What's even better is that most common herbs are also highly scented. Not only will these useful plants create a gorgeous aesthetic, but they'll also imbue your patio with delicious fragrance all summer long. Some of the most aromatic include lavender, lemon balm, mint, rosemary, basil, and sage.

When choosing which potted herbs you want to add to your patio, consider their individual needs and whether you can cater to them. For example, most herbs love growing in full sun, so scope out the space to see how many all-day sunny spots you have to accommodate potted herbs. You'll also want to choose the right containers. Many herbs look fantastic in terracotta pots, but make sure they have lots of drainage holes. Mediterranean herbs especially don't like wet feet, so be sure to regularly empty any saucers you've placed underneath your planters to collect excess water. Plus, you don't want them attracting mosquitoes. On the other hand, some herb species like a little more water and would do quite well in T4U Self-Watering Pots — a five-pack of assorted-sized planters costs about $30.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a fragrant culinary herb that will grow into a beautiful shrub if you plant it in a large container. It requires excellent drainage and will survive on neglect, outside of watering it when the soil feels dry. To keep the plant compact and reduce straggly growth, harvest or trim off the tops of the stems often. Not only does the foliage boast a distinctive fresh and green scent, but the blue, purple, or white flowers that first appear in spring will attract bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.

There are many different lavender (Lavandula spp.) species and cultivars you could consider growing in large containers on your patio. Most have purple flower spikes, but there are even varieties that have white or pinkish ones. Start with long-blooming French lavender or a compact cultivar like Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote.' Like rosemary, lavender also appreciates good drainage and gives off the most pleasant fragrance when you brush past the foliage. You could even cut the flowers and put them in a vase on your patio table to amplify the aroma.

You may already be aware that you should only ever grow mint (Mentha spp.) in a container. It has the annoying habit of taking over a garden bed if it's allowed to run wild. Luckily, it adapts well to planter living. Plus, it's an ideal herb for adding fragrance to your patio. There are a large number of species and cultivars, including peppermint, spearmint, apple mint, and even chocolate mint. No matter which you choose to grow, they all give off their own version of that fresh minty fragrance. Crush the leaves between your fingers for a stronger aroma.

Is there anything more evocative of summer than the spicy fragrance of fresh basil (Ocimum basilicum) permeating an outdoor living space? It's enduringly popular among gardeners and cooks alike for good reason. This aromatic — and tasty — herb will grow happily in a container on your patio as long as you remember to provide it with plenty of water. It really doesn't like to dry out, even though it prefers sunny spots. Prune the tips often to ensure lots of bushy growth, which is perfect if you want its scent to fill your backyard.

For a lovely, fresh citrusy fragrance, grow lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) in a pot on your patio. It's in the mint family, and like its Mentha species cousins, it will also spread vigorously if planted out in the garden. Lemon balm likes the sun, but it can also handle a little shade, making it great for covered patios. Knowing how to grow and care for lemon balm for lots of fresh growth and scent is easy: simply prune the tips of the stems often.

Not only do sages (Salvia spp.) have a strong, distinctive savory aroma, but many also boast really pretty flowers that are visited by pollinators. There are over 1,000 sage species, not including all the cultivars and hybrids, though not all of them are edible. Salvia officinalis or common sage is what people use in cooking, but most other sages have an aroma that's sure to spice up your patio in summer. When choosing which species or cultivar to grow, just crush a leaf between your fingers and sniff. If you like the smell, buy it!

If you're fond of spicy fragrances and want a patio full of them, consider growing the curry plant (Helichrysum italicum) in a large pot. You'll love the look of the fine silver foliage as much as you'll love the scent. The plant also rewards gardeners with masses of tiny yellow flowers in summer. You can cut sprigs of the plant and place them in a vase, either on your patio table or indoors, to spread that spicy scent around even further. The curry plant is a vigorous grower, so trim it back often.

To imbue your patio with a lovely, calming fragrance, why not grow some chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) in a decorative terracotta pot? You'll love the look of the pretty white flowers with their cheerful yellow centers. Plus, they happily share their sweet fragrance all summer long. To ensure your chamomile remains in your garden for years, harvest the seeds once they've fully dried on the plant to sow the following spring.

If you like fennel or licorice fragrances, consider growing anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) on your patio. This lovely-looking herb, which is also in the mint family (like so many other plants in this list), can grow quite large. Provide a large pot with a diameter of at least 12 inches for each plant. Place anise hyssop somewhere that gets plenty of sun and make sure the planter has good drainage.

If you're looking for a compact aromatic herb for your patio, thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a good choice. It forms a mound up to 12 inches tall, and benefits from regular trimming to maintain this shape and prevent it from getting leggy. During summer, this herb will also produce white, pink, or purple flowers that attract pollinators. Plus, once your initial plant is well-established, you can divide thyme plants for an endless supply.