If Your Garden Stinks, These Plants Might Be The Reason

Picture yourself on a tranquil summer evening, enveloped by the melody of chirping birds and the gentle sway of leaves in the breeze ... only to be interrupted by an unwelcome scent permeating the air, disrupting the tranquility of your cherished garden sanctuary. While gardens are often associated with the delightful aroma of blooming flowers and the freshness of nature, the truth is that certain plants can introduce less-than-pleasant olfactory experiences. From the earthy tang of sea holly to the pungent, ammonia-like odor of English boxwood, there are flora in our gardens that have garnered notoriety for emitting odors ranging from mildly disagreeable to downright offensive.

If you've ever found yourself wondering why your garden doesn't smell as sweet as you'd like, this is the article for you. Read on to discover which plants you might want to think twice about before growing them near your house, and learn valuable tips on rejuvenating your outdoor oasis into a fragrant paradise.

The Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as the Ginkgo or Maidenhair tree, is a unique and ancient species revered for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves and remarkable resilience in urban environments. They can withstand pollution, compacted soil, and fluctuating temperatures, making them well-suited for planting in urban areas where space is limited and environmental stressors are common. Despite its lively golden-yellow color, the female Ginkgo tree is notorious for emitting a strong and unpleasant odor from its fruit, especially in the Fall, when the fruit starts to drop. This odor is often described as reminiscent of vomit or rancid butter, which can be quite off-putting to those in close proximity.

The unpleasant odor emitted by female Ginkgo trees is primarily caused by butanoic and hexanoic acids, compounds found in the fruit. When the seeds of the fruit start to decay, the odor is particularly pungent.

Managing the odor produced by female Ginkgo trees can be challenging, as it is a natural characteristic of the species. However, there are some strategies that can help mitigate its impact. For example, planting male Ginkgo trees instead of females can eliminate the issue altogether, as male trees do not produce fruit. Alternatively, selecting cultivars that are known to produce fewer fruits or have less pungent odors can also help minimize the problem.

Despite the unpleasant odor emitted by the voodoo lily (Dracunculus vulgaris), gardeners often plant it for its striking appearance and exotic appeal. The plant's large, deeply lobed leaves and dramatic, dark purple spathe make it a striking addition to gardens and landscapes. When in bloom, the voodoo lily produces a tall inflorescence topped with the spathe, which surrounds a central spike-like structure known as the spadix. The combination of its unusual foliage and distinctive flowers gives the voodoo lily an air of mystery and allure that appeals to many gardeners and plant enthusiasts.

The foul odor emitted by the voodoo lily is most potent when the flower blooms, as this is when it is seeking to attract pollinating flies. The scent, which is often described as similar to rotting meat or carrion, is produced by chemical compounds that mimic the smell of decaying flesh, tricking flies into visiting the flower and inadvertently aiding in its pollination process.

Despite its olfactory drawbacks, the voodoo lily is a resilient and adaptable plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. It is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of soil types and moisture levels, making it well-suited for cultivation in gardens and landscapes.

Hellebores, belonging to the genus Helleborus, are beloved by gardeners for their early bloom time. They are one of many plants that have a long lifespan, and they are known to thrive in shady areas. Their flowers come in a range of colors, including white, pink, purple, and green, adding diversity and interest to garden beds and borders.

The skunky or musty odor emitted by some species of hellebore is primarily noticeable when the leaves or stems are crushed or torn, which has given it the name "stinking hellebore." While some find the odor off-putting, it is generally not overpowering, particularly in outdoor garden settings.

Despite the occasional unpleasant odor, hellebores remain highly valued by gardeners. With their resilience, beauty, and adaptability, hellebores continue to be cherished additions to gardens around the world, proving that even plants with a slight downside can bring immense joy and beauty to outdoor spaces.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial herb known for its medicinal properties, particularly its ability to aid in relaxation and promote sleep. However, it is also notorious for emitting a pungent odor from its root when disturbed, often described as similar to dirty socks or sweaty feet. The pungent odor emitted by Valerian roots is primarily due to the presence of volatile compounds such as valeric acid and isovaleric acid. It is a natural characteristic of the plant and is indicative of its potency as a medicinal herb — the roots can be processed to make tea or tinctures. So in this case, the smellier, the better! 

It is advisable to plant Valerian in less frequented areas of the garden, away from high-traffic areas and outdoor living spaces, to minimize exposure to the smell. Additionally, harvesting the roots in the fall, when the plant is dormant, can help reduce the intensity of the odor, as the volatile compounds are less concentrated during this time.

Sea holly (Eryngium spp.) is a unique and striking perennial plant prized for its spiky foliage and attractive flowers, which make it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. Additionally, its unusual flowers, which are often blue or metallic silver and have a thistle-like appearance, are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. However, it is known to emit a musky or rotting fruit-like odor from its foliage, particularly when crushed.

The musky odor emitted by sea holly foliage is primarily caused by the release of certain chemical compounds, such as terpenes, from the plant's leaves. The smell is especially conspicuous when the foliage is crushed or bruised. Once they have completely dried, the smell disappears altogether. 

To minimize odor issues associated with sea holly, gardeners can take several steps. Regular pruning and deadheading can help keep the plant tidy and reduce the amount of foliage that may emit odor. Providing good air circulation around the plant by spacing them adequately and avoiding overcrowding can also help reduce the intensity of the smell.

The evergreen foliage of white stopper (Eugenia axillaris) provides year-round interest, with glossy green leaves that remain on the plant throughout the year. Its white flowers, which are produced in clusters, add brightness and contrast to the garden, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. However, it is known to emit a pungent odor from its flowers. 

Planting it away from seating areas and outdoor living spaces can help minimize exposure to the smell, allowing gardeners to enjoy its ornamental qualities without being bothered by its odor. Providing proper care, including regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning, can also help keep the plant healthy and reduce stress-induced odors.

Overall, despite its occasional pungent odor, white stopper remains a popular choice for gardeners seeking a versatile and attractive shrub for their outdoor spaces. With its evergreen foliage, white flowers, and relatively low-maintenance nature, white stopper adds beauty and charm to gardens and landscapes, proving that even plants with a strong odor can be valuable additions to the garden when managed properly.

[Featured image by HSV via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 2.0]