Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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camellia scent

Curious about camellia scent? You're not alone. Gardeners across New Zealand are captivated by camellias for their lush blooms and evergreen foliage, but not all camellias offer the same delightful fragrance. While most camellia varieties are famed for their stunning appearance, only select types boast a truly memorable scent. If you're searching for uniquely fragrant camellias, you're in the right place—discover how to bring sweet camellia scent into your garden and which varieties to choose.

Camellia 'High Fragrance'

Camellia 'High Fragrance' is a beautiful evergreen shrub admired for its elegant pale pink blooms and delightful fragrance. This refined camellia flowers through the cooler months and brings colour and perfume to New Zealand gardens when many plants are dormant. The graceful flowers stand out against the glossy dark green foliage and create a sophisticated display. Camellia 'High Fragrance' is perfect for gardeners wanting a fragrant flowering shrub with timeless appeal.

Buy Camellia 'High Fragrance'

From $33.68

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 2.00 m

Spread: 1.50 m

Flowering time: Spring, Winter

Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Camellia 'Koto no Kaori'

Camellia 'Koto no Kaori' is a beautiful evergreen shrub admired for its delicate pale pink flowers and glossy dark green foliage. This elegant camellia is also valued for its light fragrance which adds another dimension to the garden. Flowering through winter and early spring it brings colour and scent to New Zealand gardens when many plants are dormant. Camellia 'Koto no Kaori' is ideal for gardeners wanting a refined and fragrant camellia.

Buy Camellia 'Koto no Kaori'

From $33.68

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 2.00 m

Spread: 1.50 m

Flowering time: Spring, Winter

Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

What Does Camellia Scent Smell Like?

Many people expect all camellias to be fragrant, but the truth is camellia scent can range from subtle to surprisingly intense. While standard camellia japonica and camellia sasanqua types are typically unscented or have a very faint aroma, certain varieties stand out for their sweet, fresh, and sometimes citrusy or tea-like fragrance. The most fragrant camellias often have lighter or more delicate flowers—a real treat when planted near entrances, patios, or pathways.

Best Fragrant Camellia Varieties

If you're searching specifically for camellia scent, a few garden favourites stand out for their perfume:

Camellia 'High Fragrance': As its name suggests, this beloved variety is prized for a powerful, sweet scent. Its soft pink, peony-style flowers bloom in late winter through spring, making it perfect for sensory gardens.
Camellia 'Koto no Kaori': This elegant camellia is renowned for its light to moderate fragrance and ruffled soft-pink flowers. It's a top pick for anyone who wants both eye-catching beauty and camellia scent.
Camellia Sugar and Spice: With pretty, blush-toned flowers and a gentle scent, this variety is increasingly popular among Kiwi gardeners seeking camellia fragrance.

Discover these and more in our range of carefully selected camellia shrubs, each offering unique beauty and scent for your landscape.

How to Maximise Camellia Scent in Your Garden

To make the most of your camellia scent, plant fragrant varieties where you’ll enjoy them up close. Consider positioning Camellia 'High Fragrance' or Camellia 'Koto no Kaori' near seating areas, pathways, or entryways. Mild, sheltered spots amplify the scent, especially on calm, sunny days when the air is warm. Be sure to water regularly and mulch well, as healthy plants tend to produce the richest fragrance.

Plants with a Similar Fragrance

While fragrant camellias are special, you may want to extend the sensory experience with other perfumed plants. Magnolia Heaven Scent (Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent) is well known for its stunning spring blooms and breathtaking, spicy scent—making it an ideal companion.

Choosing the Right Camellia

Not all camellias are created equal when it comes to scent. For those seeking beauty without fragrance, options like Camellia Pure Silk offer classic, elegant blooms—perfect for mixed shrub borders or hedging.

Whether you're designing a fragrant entranceway or creating a sensory sanctuary, camellia scent adds a magical touch. Explore our collection for the best fragrant camellia varieties to inspire your garden dreams.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.