🌸 Quick Fragrant Flower Guide Browse Flower Profiles
Some flowers are admired for their beauty. Others are remembered forever because of their evocative fragrance.
The perfume of fresh flowers has an extraordinary ability to awaken memories and emotions. One breath of fragrant freesias might remind you of your grandmother's garden, while the scent of oriental lilies can instantly transport you back to a wedding, a family celebration, or a special bouquet received many years ago.
After nearly 20 years creating bouquets at Best Blooms, we've discovered that customers often choose flowers for their fragrance just as much as their appearance. Whether you're looking for beautifully scented flowers to perfume your home, create a romantic gift, or simply discover which blooms smell the strongest, this guide shares our favourite fragrant flowers, when they're in season in New Zealand, and our florist's tips for choosing them.
Flower fragrance isn't just beautiful—it's nature's way of attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths.
Some flowers have naturally evolved to produce rich perfumes, while others have been selectively bred over generations for larger blooms, longer vase life or vibrant colours instead. That's why two flowers that look equally stunning can have completely different levels of fragrance.
Temperature also plays a part. Many flowers become more fragrant as they open, while warm afternoons and evenings often bring out their strongest perfume.
As florists, we've also found that fragrance is wonderfully personal. One customer may instantly fall in love with the sweet scent of freesias, while another is drawn to the rich perfume of lilies or the nostalgic aroma of sweet peas. There really is no right answer—only the flowers that bring back your happiest memories.
If you're short on time, here's our quick florist's guide comparing some of New Zealand's most popular scented flowers. We'll explore each flower in more detail further down the page.
Tip: Swipe sideways on the table to see all columns.
| Flower | 🌸 Fragrance | ⏳ Vase Life | 💐 Perfect For | 📅 In Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freesia | ★★★★★ | ★★★✩✩ | Nostalgic gifts, birthdays, spring bouquets | Winter – Spring |
| Oriental Lily | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Perfuming your home, elegant gifts | Most of the Year |
| Stock (Matthiola) | ★★★★★ | ★★★★✩ | Romantic and cottage-style bouquets | Winter – Spring |
| Rose | ★★★✩✩ | ★★★★★ | Romance, anniversaries and celebrations | All Year |
| Sweet Pea | ★★★★★ | ★★✩✩✩ | Vintage bouquets and garden lovers | Spring |
| Peony | ★★★★✩ | ★★★✩✩ | Luxury bouquets and weddings | October - December |
| Cymbidium Orchid | ★★★✩✩ | ★★★★★ | Long-lasting gifts and winter bouquets | Winter |
| Hyacinth | ★★★★★ | ★★★✩✩ | Filling a room with fragrance | Spring |
One of the unexpected joys of being a florist is hearing the stories behind people's favourite flowers.
Almost every week someone tells us they want freesias because they remind them of their Nana's garden, sweet peas because Grandad always grew them along the fence, or lilies because they filled the family home with their beautiful perfume every Christmas.
Unlike colour, fragrance has an incredible ability to unlock memories. Long after we forget what a bouquet looked like, we often remember exactly how it smelled. That's why scented flowers make such thoughtful and meaningful gifts—they're not just beautiful for today, they reconnect us with treasured moments from years gone by.
Looking for a bouquet that evokes happy memories?
Traditional favourites such as freesias, sweet peas, stock and fragrant lilies remain some of our most requested flowers whenever customers want to send a heartfelt gift.
Many of our customers choose fragrant flowers especially for grandparents, knowing they often bring back treasured memories of gardens, family and home.
Explore Flowers for Grandparents
Flowers have always been associated with romance, but adding fragrance creates another layer of emotion. A beautifully scented bouquet appeals not only to the eye but also to the senses, making the experience of receiving flowers even more memorable.
Some of our favourite romantic bouquets combine classic roses with fragrant flowers such as freesias, stock or oriental lilies. Together they create arrangements that are both visually stunning and filled with beautiful perfume.
Of course, romance isn't limited to Valentine's Day. A fragrant bouquet is just as meaningful for anniversaries, birthdays, celebrations, or simply reminding someone you're thinking of them.
Below you'll find our florist's guide to some of the most beautifully scented flowers you'll encounter in bouquets and gardens throughout New Zealand.
Sweet, cheerful and one of New Zealand's most-loved fragrant flowers.
Freesias are one of the few flowers that announce their arrival with scent. Their fresh, sweet perfume is instantly recognisable and has made them one of the world's favourite fragrant flowers for generations.
Available throughout winter and spring, freesias bring both beautiful fragrance and vibrant colour to bouquets. Their elegant arching stems gradually open one bloom after another, meaning your bouquet continues to develop over several days while the fragrance becomes even stronger.
If we had to choose one flower that sparks the most conversations in our flower shop, it would be freesias. Customers often smile the moment they smell them and tell us they remind them of their grandmother's garden, picking flowers on the walk home from school, or the very first bouquet they ever received. Very few flowers create such an instant emotional connection.
Freesias have always been part of my life. My grandpop grew beautiful freesias in his glasshouse at Waihi Beach—so tall they almost reached my knees. Every winter he'd cut bunches and sell them to a local florist. Years later, without planning it, I found myself working with that very same florist.
Looking back, it feels as though flowers had quietly been leading me towards floristry all along. It was also my grandpop who first suggested I should become a florist when I was fifteen and wondering what to do with my future. Every time I smell freesias, I'm reminded not only of him, but of where this wonderful journey began.
Freesias continue opening after they're arranged, giving you fresh flowers to enjoy over several days. Keeping them in a cool room overnight will help extend their vase life even further.
Classic romance with fragrance that varies more than many people realise.
Roses are usually the first bloom that comes to mind for a list of fragrant flowers. Surprisingly though, not every florist rose has a strong perfume.
Over many years, commercial roses have been bred for longer stems, larger flower heads and outstanding vase life. While that's wonderful for bouquets, some fragrance has been lost in many modern varieties. Thankfully, there are still beautiful exceptions.
Customers often ask why their garden roses smell stronger than florist roses. They're absolutely right. Traditional garden varieties are usually grown with fragrance as a priority, while florist roses are selected for their beauty, reliability and vase performance. Whenever we receive naturally fragrant varieties like Red Naomi, they're always something special.
Perhaps the ultimate flower for filling an entire home with beautiful fragrance.
Perfume a room with fresh flowers, and choose stunning oriental lilies. Their rich, luxurious fragrance becomes even more noticeable as each flower opens, making them one of the strongest scented flowers available throughout much of the year.
Their large trumpet-shaped blooms also make them wonderfully dramatic in bouquets, adding elegance, height and fragrance all at once.
Even better - Lilies are one of the longest-lasting cut flowers.
When customers tell us they want a bouquet that everyone notices as soon as they walk into the room, oriental lilies are almost always our first recommendation. One stem can perfume an entire living area once fully open.
Removing the pollen-bearing stamens doesn't reduce the fragrance, but it does prevent pollen stains on clothing and helps keep the flowers looking pristine.
The hidden star of many beautifully scented bouquets.
Scented Stock flowers may not be the first bloom people notice visually, but they're often the first flower they smell. Their soft, spicy perfume has a classic cottage-garden character that's warm, comforting and unmistakably floral.
Available in beautiful shades of white, cream, blush pink, lavender, purple and magenta, stock adds both fragrance and fullness to mixed bouquets throughout winter and spring.
Stock is one of those flowers customers often can't identify by name, but they instantly recognise its perfume. It's the flower that quietly transforms a bouquet from looking beautiful to smelling unforgettable.
Delicate blooms with one of the most enchanting fragrances of spring.
Delicate ruffled petals and in an enchanting array of soft colours, sweet peas are loved for their perfume. Their sweet fragrance has been treasured in cottage gardens for generations and remains one of spring's most eagerly anticipated scents.
Although their vase life is shorter than many flowers, they more than make up for it with their incredible perfume and graceful beauty.
Sweet peas are one of those flowers people wait all year for. Their season is brief, but that's part of their charm. When they arrive each spring, flower lovers know it's time to enjoy them while they last.
Because their flowering season is so short, sweet peas remain one of the most treasured seasonal flowers in New Zealand. We always look forward to seeing them return each spring.
Luxurious blooms with a soft, romantic fragrance that signals the arrival of spring.
Queen of flowers, nothing creates as much excitement as peonies. Their large, ruffled blooms are breathtakingly beautiful, while many varieties produce a delicate, sweet fragrance that's instantly recognisable.
Their season is famously short, making them one of the year's most anticipated flowers. Available for only a few weeks each spring in New Zealand, peonies have become a symbol of luxury and celebration.
Every October our phones start ringing with the same question: "Have the peonies arrived yet?" Their short season only adds to their appeal, and many customers wait all year for the chance to enjoy them again.
If peonies are your favourite flower, don't hesitate when they're in season from October to December. Their availability is limited, and every spring they disappear just as quickly as they arrive.
Elegant winter flowers with subtle perfume and exceptional vase life.
Cymbidium orchids offer a lighter fragrance than many flowers in this guide, but what they lack in perfume they more than make up for in elegance and longevity.
Available throughout winter, their graceful stems are a favourite for sophisticated bouquets and long-lasting floral arrangements.
People are often surprised to discover cymbidium orchids have a fragrance at all. Lean in close and you'll notice a delicate, sweet perfume that's subtle rather than overpowering—perfect for those who enjoy lightly scented flowers.
Orchids are one of the longest-lasting flowers we use, often remaining beautiful for two weeks or more with simple care.
Small flowers with an amazingly powerful spring fragrance.
Compact sized but heavenly scented. Hyacinths produce one of the strongest fragrances of any spring flower, easily filling an entire room with their rich, sweet perfume.
Available in beautiful shades of blue, pink, white and purple, they're equally popular as cut flowers and flowering bulbs for the garden.
Hyacinths are often the flower customers notice before they even see them. Their perfume carries remarkably well and instantly announces that spring has arrived.
Plant hyacinth bulbs in autumn to enjoy spectacular fragrant flowers every spring.
Perhaps the world's most luxurious floral fragrance.
Creamy white blooms of gardenias produce one of the richest perfumes found anywhere in nature. Their fragrance has inspired countless perfumes and remains one of the world's most recognisable floral scents.
Because the flowers are delicate and short-lived once picked, you'll most often find gardenias growing as beautiful flowering plants rather than in cut flower bouquets.
Whenever we have flowering gardenia plants available, customers are drawn to them almost immediately. Even before they see the flowers, they're following the perfume.
If you're creating a scented garden at home, gardenias are one of the most rewarding plants you can grow.
The tiny winter flower with a fragrance far bigger than its size.
Daphne produces clusters of delicate pink and white flowers during winter, filling the garden with an intensely sweet fragrance when very little else is in bloom.
Although the stems are usually too short for large bouquets, daphne is sometimes tucked into arrangements as a fragrant finishing touch.
Daphne proves that the smallest flowers often have the biggest personalities. A tiny sprig can perfume an entire room, making it one of winter's most treasured flowering shrubs.
Many gardeners consider a flowering daphne bush to be one of the first signs that spring isn't far away.
The unmistakable fragrance of calm, comfort and summer.
Lavender has been treasured for centuries for its fresh, herbal fragrance and calming qualities. Whether growing in the garden, dried for the home or tucked into a bouquet, its distinctive scent instantly evokes warm summer days and peaceful country gardens.
Although not commonly used as the main flower in bouquets, a few stems of lavender add beautiful texture, fragrance and a relaxed, natural feel to floral arrangements.
Lavender is one of those fragrances people recognise instantly without even seeing the flowers. It's amazing how often customers simply say, "It smells like home." Whether that's a childhood garden, a holiday, or someone they loved, lavender has an incredible way of bringing back peaceful memories.
A hidden gem with one of winter's most distinctive fragrances.
Boronia may not be as well known as roses or lilies, but among florists it's highly prized for its wonderfully fresh perfume. Its tiny bell-shaped flowers carry a unique fragrance that's citrusy, spicy and slightly peppery all at once.
Flowering through winter, boronia is often used as a fragrant accent rather than the main feature, adding both texture and perfume to seasonal bouquets.
Boronia is one of those flowers customers often discover by accident. They'll lean in to smell a bouquet and ask, "What's that lovely fresh scent?" More often than not, it's the boronia quietly doing its job in the background.
The sweet fragrance that quietly announces the arrival of spring.
Jonquils are among the first truly fragrant flowers to bloom each year, filling late winter and early spring with their unmistakable sweet perfume. Whether it's the pure white elegance of Paper Whites, the sunshine-yellow blooms of Soleil d'Or, or the creamy clusters of Earlicheer, each variety brings its own charm while sharing that beautiful narcissus fragrance.
These cheerful flowers have long been favourites in New Zealand gardens and are a wonderful reminder that spring is just around the corner. Their fresh scent makes them just as treasured indoors as they are growing naturally beneath trees and along roadsides.
Jonquils have always reminded me that fragrance can be found in the most unexpected places. When I was little, Mum used to take us on picnics at Waikumete. Every spring, drifts of wild jonquils flowered beneath the trees, and I remember completely falling in love with their sweet perfume. Looking back now, I think that's where my love of fragrant flowers really began.
Years later I discovered that Waikumete's remarkable display of naturalised wildflowers has been admired by many others too. If you're interested, this lovely article about the Wildflowers of Waikumete is well worth a read.
To this day, whenever I smell Paper Whites, Earlicheer or Soleil d'Or, I'm instantly transported back to those happy childhood picnics.
It's a lovely reminder that some of our strongest flower memories begin long before we ever realise they'll stay with us for a lifetime.
Jonquils belong to the Narcissus family, with favourites such as Paper Whites, Soleil d'Or and Earlicheer all prized for their exceptional fragrance. While daffodils are often admired for their bright colour, many jonquil varieties are grown just as much for their beautiful perfume.
The perfume of spring captured in a flower.
Springtime brings lilacs. When lilac blooms appear, they bring with them one of the gentlest and most elegant floral fragrances of the season. Their delicate perfume has inspired poets, artists and gardeners for generations.
Available only for a short time, lilac is treasured for both its beauty and the anticipation that comes with its brief flowering season.
We love flowers that remind people the seasons are changing, and lilac does exactly that. Customers know when they see (and smell!) lilac that winter is finally giving way to spring.
Perhaps the most intoxicating floral fragrance you'll ever experience.
Tuberose is legendary among flower lovers. Its rich, creamy perfume is so distinctive that it's been treasured in fine perfumery for centuries and is often described as one of the world's most powerfully scented flowers.
Although rarely available compared with other cut flowers, tuberose is one of those blooms that's impossible to forget once you've experienced its fragrance.
I still remember the very first time I smelt tuberose. I was sixteen years old, training as a junior florist at Spiro's Florist. The fragrance completely stopped me in my tracks. I couldn't believe a flower could smell that beautiful, and more than forty years later I still remember that exact moment.
That's the extraordinary thing about fragrance. Long after you've forgotten the bouquet itself, you'll often remember exactly how it made you feel.
The fragrance of fresh flowers changes with the seasons. Some favourites, like roses and oriental lilies, are available for much of the year, while others, such as freesias, peonies and sweet peas, are eagerly anticipated when their short season arrives.
Whenever these beautifully scented flowers are available, our florists love including them in bouquets that delight not only with their colour and beauty, but also with their unforgettable perfume. If fragrance is important to you or the person you're sending flowers to, browse some of our favourite scented bouquets below.
🌿 Florist's Tip: If fragrance is important to you, simply mention it in the Notes to Florist when ordering online. We'll always include beautifully scented flowers whenever they're in season and available.
Because flowers are seasonal, your favourite fragrant bloom may not always be available. If you're hoping to send a specific flower, our seasonal guides can help you discover when it's naturally at its best in New Zealand.
One of the joys of fragrant flowers is that you don't have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy them. Many of the flowers featured in this guide can also be grown at home, filling your garden with beautiful perfume throughout the seasons.
For fragrance all year round, try planting a mix of seasonal favourites such as daphne for winter, freesias and hyacinths for spring, roses and gardenias for summer, and lavender to provide scent throughout the warmer months. Other fragrant plants we love are Heliotrope, Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow, Buddleia, Dianthus, Lily of the Valley, Orange Blossom and Wintersweet.
If reading this guide has inspired you to create your own fragrant garden, these trusted New Zealand gardening specialists are wonderful places to start:
Prefer someone else to do the growing? Browse our fresh seasonal bouquets or explore more flower guides in the Best Blooms Flower Library.
Some of the strongest scented flowers include tuberose, oriental lilies, freesias, hyacinths, stock, gardenias and sweet peas. Each has its own unique perfume, ranging from fresh and sweet to rich and intensely floral.
No. Many modern florist roses have been bred for large flower heads, long stems and excellent vase life rather than perfume. However, some beautiful varieties, such as Red Naomi, Avalanche and Metalina, still have a lovely natural fragrance.
Some of our favourite scented bouquet flowers include freesias, oriental lilies, stock, roses, sweet peas and cymbidium orchids. Mixing several fragrant flowers together creates a bouquet that's as memorable for its perfume as its appearance.
Cymbidium orchids, roses and oriental lilies all offer excellent vase life. While flowers such as sweet peas and hyacinths have shorter seasons and vase life, many people feel their incredible fragrance makes them well worth enjoying.
Absolutely. Many of New Zealand's favourite scented flowers grow beautifully in home gardens, including roses, lavender, daphne, freesias, hyacinths, sweet peas and gardenias. Planting flowers that bloom in different seasons will reward you with fragrance throughout the year.
Flowers produce fragrance to attract pollinators, but breeding also plays a part. Some flowers have been selected for perfume, while others have been bred for colour, vase life or larger blooms. Weather, temperature and how open the flowers are can also affect how strongly they smell.
Roses and oriental lilies are available for much of the year, while cymbidium orchids flower through winter. Many other favourites, including freesias, hyacinths, peonies and sweet peas, have shorter seasonal windows that make them even more special when they arrive.
Long after a bouquet has faded, it's often the fragrance we remember most.
Whether it's the sweet perfume of freesias reminding you of childhood, the elegance of oriental lilies filling your home, or the unforgettable scent of tuberose experienced for the very first time, flowers have an extraordinary ability to connect us with people, places and moments that matter.
At Best Blooms, we've been fortunate to work with beautiful flowers every day for nearly twenty years.
We hope this guide has helped you discover a new favourite fragrance—or perhaps reminded you of one you already loved.
Because sometimes the fragrance is the part of the gift that lasts the longest.
Whether you're looking for beautifully fragrant flowers, seasonal bouquets, thoughtful gifts or same-day flower delivery in Auckland, you'll find our full collection on the Best Blooms homepage.
From birthdays and anniversaries to sympathy flowers and just-because moments, our experienced florists are here to help you choose flowers that create lasting memories.
Jo-Ann Moss is the Creative Director at Best Blooms, an Auckland florist providing fresh flower delivery across the city. Jo-Ann writes about flower gifting, floral care tips, and how to choose the right bouquet for every occasion.
06 July 2026, 04:33 PM
Like this article 517 others enjoyed this article
Seasonal Flowers in New Zealand
Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year NZ (1798 likes)
🌸 Birth Flowers NZ, Birthstones & Star Signs – A Fun NZ Guide (1716 likes)
10 Tips How to make your Flowers live Longer - Flower Care Tips NZ (1590 likes)
Christmas Celebrations - Guide to New Zealand's most popular Flowers at Christmas (1496 likes)
Why Best Blooms Loves New Zealand Grown Flowers (1487 likes)
