Sweet Mignonette

Reseda odorata, commonly known as Sweet Mignonette, is a delightful annual plant primarily grown in UK gardens for its exquisite, rich fragrance. Though its flowers are modest in appearance, usually greenish-white or pale yellow, their sweet, heady perfume, often described as a blend of honey and vanilla, is utterly captivating and can scent an entire area. This charming annual thrives in full sun and well-drained, moderately fertile soil, making it ideal for planting near seating areas, windows, or pathways where its scent can be fully appreciated. It forms low-growing clumps of broad, grey-green leaves, from which delicate spikes of flowers emerge from early summer until the first frosts. While not a traditional culinary herb, its use is more about the delightful aroma it brings to the garden. Easy to grow from seed, Sweet Mignonette is perfect for cottage gardens, containers, or naturalised drifts, inviting butterflies and bees whilst providing a nostalgic, old-fashioned charm with its unforgettable fragrance.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.