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fragrant rhododendron

Searching for a fragrant rhododendron to elevate your New Zealand garden? You’re not alone – gardeners everywhere are rediscovering the magical combination of lush blooms and intoxicating perfume these remarkable shrubs offer. Unlike their cousins, fragrant rhododendrons bring a whole new sensory dimension, filling the air with sweet scents as well as vibrant colour. Whether you want a stunning focal point, a scented hedge, or simply a special addition to your landscape, these rhododendrons are perfect for spaces where you want to linger and enjoy the aroma.

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Sarcococca ruscifolia (Fragrant Sweetbox)

5 from 1 customers

Sarcococca ruscifolia, commonly known as Fragrant Sweet Box, this is an evergreen shrub grown for its lush foliage and fragrant flowers. It carries glossy, dark green leaves which become adorned with tiny and fragrant, cream-white flowers through winter and spring. It typically grows to 70 cm tall and the same wide. Sarcococca ruscifolia is commonly included in a mixed planting, planted around the base of larger trees, grown around outdoor living areas, planted in shady areas, used in borders, or mass planted as a groundcover.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 70 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
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Rhododendron Scented Sun

5 from 1 customers

Rhododendron ‘Scented Sun’ is a compact shrub growing up to 1.2 metres tall with a neat, rounded growth habit. Known for its fragrant yellow flowers and dense evergreen foliage, it adds cheerful colour and delightful scent to New Zealand gardens. Purchase nursery-grown, healthy Rhododendron ‘Scented Sun’ plants with fast nationwide delivery from The Plant Company.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, Tropical
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Rhododendron Vireya Golden Charm

Rhododendron Vireya ‘Golden Charm’ is a tropical shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a compact, rounded growth habit. Known for its bright...

From$36.38
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Rhododendron Vireya Red Mountain

Rhododendron Vireya ‘Red Mountain’ is a tropical shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a compact, rounded growth habit. Known for its striking red...

From$28.28
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Rhododendron Vireya Tropic Glow

Rhododendron Vireya ‘Tropic Glow’ is a tropical shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a compact, rounded growth habit. Known for its vivid orange...

From$28.28
Rhododendron 'Simbu Sunset' orange flowers.

Rhododendron Vireya Simbu Sunset

Rhododendron Vireya ‘Simbu Sunset’ is a tropical shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a compact, rounded growth habit. Known for its vivid orange...

From$28.28
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Rhododendron Mt Everest

Rhododendron ‘Mt Everest’ is a compact shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a neat, rounded growth habit. Known for its vibrant pink flowers and...

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Rhododendron 'Haloed Gold' yellow flowers tinged with orange above lush, dark green foliage.

Rhododendron Vireya 'Haloed Gold'

Vireya Rhododendron ‘Haloed Gold’ is an eye catching evergreen shrub valued for its golden yellow flowers often softly haloed with deeper tones and...

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Gardenia 'Fragrant Star' white flowers and dark green foliage.

Gardenia Fragrant Star

Gardenia 'Fragrant Star' is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its intensely perfumed, star-shaped white flowers and glossy green foliage...

From$26.93
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Rhododendron Kings Cerise

Rhododendron ‘King’s Cerise’ is a striking shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with bright pink flowers and dense evergreen foliage. This hardy...

From$36.38
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Rhododendron Vireya Coral Flare

Rhododendron Vireya ‘Coral Flare’ is a tropical shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a compact, rounded growth habit. Known for its vibrant...

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Rhododendron 'Saxon Blush' rose-pink flowers with dark green leaves.

Rhododendron Vireya Saxon Blush

Rhododendron Vireya ‘Saxon Blush’ is a tropical shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a compact, rounded growth habit. Known for its vibrant soft...

From$28.28
An exquisite Michelia 'Lemon Fragrant' cream-white flower.

Michelia 'Lemon Fragrant'

Michelia 'Lemon Fragrant' is a compact, evergreen tree admired for its glossy, dark green foliage and fragrant, white flowers that bloom from late...

From$299.92
rhododendron-rubicon-

Rhododendron Rubicon

Rhododendron ‘Rubicon’ is a compact shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a rounded growth habit. Known for its bright pink flowers and dense...

From$36.38
Rhododendron 'Cunninghams White' shrub with white flowers.

Rhododendron Cunninghams White

Rhododendron ‘Cunninghams White’ is a compact shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a neat, rounded growth habit. Known for its pure white flowers...

From$28.28
Rhododendron 'Popcorn' white and yellow flowers.

Rhododendron Vireya Popcorn

Rhododendron ‘Popcorn’ is a compact shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a neat, rounded growth habit. Known for its pure white flowers and dense...

From$28.28
Rhododendron 'Java Rose' rose-pink flowers.

Rhododendron 'Java Rose'

Rhododendron 'Java Rose' is a beautiful evergreen shrub known for its large trusses of soft rose pink flowers that appear during spring. The elegant...

From$28.28
Sarcococca ruscifolia (Fragrant Sweetbox)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Gardenia, Michelia Rhododendron and Sarcococca, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs Vireya Rhododendon and Evergreen Trees.

Search fragrant rhododendron

Why Choose a Fragrant Rhododendron?

Planting a fragrant rhododendron is about much more than looks. The rich perfume creates a welcoming garden atmosphere, encouraging you and your guests to stop and savour the moment. Many varieties bloom in late spring, offering both eye-catching flowers and fragrance when other winter and early spring bloomers fade. They're also ideal for planting near patios, entranceways, or paths, so the scent can be enjoyed every day. With proper care, rhododendrons thrive in New Zealand conditions, preferring dappled shade and acid soils, making them a reliable, rewarding shrub for gardeners of all experience levels.

Popular Fragrant Rhododendron Varieties

Not all rhododendrons are scented, so choosing the right variety is key. Fortunately, there are exquisite fragrant rhododendron cultivars available. Here are a few outstanding choices:

Where to Plant Fragrant Rhododendron

A fragrant rhododendron performs best in sheltered locations with morning sun and afternoon shade. They appreciate protection from strong wind and prefer humus-rich, well-drained soils. Consider planting near outdoor seating areas, along walkways, or beside entrances for maximum fragrance appreciation. These rhododendrons also make excellent additions to woodland gardens and semi-shaded borders, mingling beautifully with early-flowering camellias and lush ferns.

Caring for Your Fragrant Rhododendron

Maintaining a fragrant rhododendron is straightforward. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, mulch well to conserve moisture, and avoid lime-based fertilisers. Pruning is minimal but can help shape the plant and remove spent blooms. With minimal fuss, these shrubs will reward you with years of beauty and scent.

Explore Fragrant Rhododendrons for Your NZ Garden

Ready to add a fragrant rhododendron to your collection? Explore our range, including Rhododendron Scented Sun, Rhododendron Princess Alice, Rhododendron Fragrantissimum, Rhododendron Loderi Patience, and Rhododendron Virginalis varieties. Enjoy the best of colour and fragrance in your garden, and discover why scented rhododendrons are a treasured addition to New Zealand landscapes.


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.

–The Plant Company

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