10 Plants That Smell Bad and Are Making Your Garden Stink

Bradford Pear Tree

(Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford')

Our favorite outdoorsman, the Grumpy Gardener, has a thing or two to say about Bradford pear trees. Most namely, that he absolutely hates them. Aside from its thorny seedlings and invasive growth pattern, the Bradford pear tree stands out for another unpalatable reason: Its smell can only be described as that of a dead fish. Yep, its flowers smell overwhelmingly fishy. That means you can be hundreds of miles away from the closest coastline, but you're still smelling that rancid tuna all year long. Thanks, but no thanks.

02 of 10

Crown Imperial

(Fritillaria imperialis)

These brightly hued flowers might look rather regal in your garden or pots, but the fragrance—er, more like odor—is definitely the star of the show. Some say sulfurous and phenolic, others say straight up skunky. No matter your nose's preference, you don't want to be caught smelling this flower in a stiff wind. If you can't help but love the pretty drooping blooms, plant them in a secluded spot.

03 of 10

Ginkgo Tree

(Ginkgo biloba)

While there's no denying the sheer beauty of the ginkgo tree when its leaves turn that bright yellow hue, you'll be holding your nose if you accidentally plant a female ginkgo tree instead of a male. Their fruit is messy and smelly in a way that'll make your senses take a real hit. The fruit contain butyric acid, reminiscent of the smell of stomach acid. Stick with male ginkgo trees to make sure your yard stays happy and bright—and stink-free.

04 of 10

Valerian

(Valeriana officinalis)

These dainty bunches of ivory blooms pack a punch in the fragrance department. Instead of the sweet floral notes you'd expect from this plant, you'll get more of a sour, rank odor we've heard described fittingly as "dirty sweat socks." However, valerian can make a suitable addition to the herb garden since it contains medicinal benefits when used to brew tea or to soak in the bath. With that in mind, maybe the repugnant odor is a small price to pay?

05 of 10

English Boxwood

Boxwoods are perfect for pots. — Photo: Van Chaplin/Styling: Scott Martin

(Buxus sempervirens)

Did you know that the English boxwood variety just happens to smell like a litter box? While boxwood takes any garden from shabby to chic in the blink of an eye, you better choose wisely. English boxwood is quite the looker, but it shouldn't be used to flank your front door if you want to welcome guests without making them pinch their noses. It's known to smell a little—or a lot—like cat pee. When in doubt, American or Japanese boxwood will cover your bases with style and without stench.

06 of 10

Sea Holly

(Eryngium maritimum)

This distinctive flower gives that much-desired pop of blue color during the summertime. The prickly blooms turn into globe-like thistles that have a unique power to make you think you're smelling—please, excuse us—dog poop. Before you survey the yard for the source of the offending stench, just know it's your beautiful, blooming blue sea holly. As a small consolation, you can pick these flowers, rinse the scent off them, and use them in arrangements.

07 of 10

Moss Phlox

(Phlox subulata)

Also known as creeping phlox, this plant offers a stunning sweep of bright color over your flowerbed. Offering vibrant shades of blues, purples, and pinks, this plant makes a statement in every garden—and not just because of its looks. The scent will take you back to the 1970s real quick. It emits an odor that smells akin to cannabis, so much so that it once attracted police attention to an innocent couple's home, reports say. While it usually doesn't lead to criminal investigation when planted in your garden, you can never be too safe. (What would the neighbors think?)

08 of 10

Yellow Alyssum

(Aurinia saxatilis)

Unlike its annual counterpart, the sweet white alyssum plant, yellow alyssum flowers are perennial, yellow, and not sweet-smelling at all. Though the plant is affectionately known as "Basket of Gold," the flowers are known for being notoriously foul-smelling. It's best not to expect a sweet, honeysuckle scent. Like creeping phlox, however, it makes a great groundcover option with its low, wide-reaching blooms.

09 of 10

White Stopper

(Eugenia axillaris)

The leathery green leaves and dainty white blooms of this plant make it a popular native plant of Florida. The evergreen shrubs are also dotted with small red berries that are edible, but the real attention-grabber is its scent. On a still, mild day, you might not notice; but on a warm day flecked with seasonal breezes, get ready for a skunky surprise. To be delicate, we could describe it as an unpleasant "earthiness," but we're all friends here.

10 of 10

Society Garlic

(Tulbaghia violacea)

Something about these tall, skinny purple blooms makes us want to forgive their off-putting scent. If you couldn't guess from the name, the plant gives off a distinct garlicky odor that might or might not bother you. After a warm rain, however, expect the stench to be at its strongest. If you're worried, just skip potting this plant to put on your porch or to flank your front door. Besides, we'll take a garlicky scent over skunky any day.

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