What does the word gardenia mean?
The etymology of the word "gardenia" goes back to the name of the Scottish botanist Alexander Garden, who first discovered and described the plant. The genus Gardenia was named in his honor by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1760. The term gardenia is therefore both the etymology of the plant's name and its common appellation! Gardenia is a flowering plant belonging to the Gardenia genus, characterized by large white or yellow flowers and a bewitching fragrance. This plant is widely cultivated for its aesthetic qualities and is used in floral arrangements and ornamental gardens.
In the beginning…
Gardenia has its origins in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands. Its history in perfumery dates back to the early 20th century, when perfumers were captivated by its intoxicating scent and delicate flowers. Its sweet, creamy, floral fragrance quickly captured the hearts of perfumers and perfume lovers alike. In the 1920s and 1930s, gardenia became a key ingredient in luxury perfumes, symbolizing elegance, femininity and glamour. Prestigious perfume houses created compositions highlighting the richness and sensuality of gardenia.
Even today, gardenia is appreciated in perfumery for its timeless olfactory beauty and its ability to add a touch of sophistication and charm with a hint of sensuality to many fragrance creations
LE SAVIEZ-VOUS ? In the language of flowers, gardenia is often associated with meanings such as secret admiration, grace and delicacy!
Gardenia synthetic molecules
Gardenia essential oil is no longer used in perfumery for reasons of cost, availability and quality control. Gardenia perfumes therefore contain synthetic molecules that reproduce its fragrance. Among the synthetic molecules used are cis-3-hexenol and indole, which recreate the green, floral scent and animalic aspects of gardenia. They enable perfumers to create unique compositions, highlighting the different facets of this emblematic flower by adding sensuality and grace to perfumes.
What do you know about gardenia in perfumery?
Gardenia brings a distinctive olfactory richness to fragrances. Associated with the white floral olfactory family, its fragrance is often described as floral, creamy and sometimes slightly animalic.
It is used to bring an opulent, sensual and feminine note to perfume compositions.Gardenia can be used as the dominant note in certain fragrances, where it is brought to the fore to express its unique olfactory beauty. It can also be used in combination with other ingredients to create more complex accords. For example, it is often combined with notes such as jasmine, tuberose, vanilla or sandalwood to create even more bewitching and sophisticated fragrances.
Gardenia-based fragrances are often prized for their elegance, sensuality and evocative power. They are often worn on special occasions or to add a touch of sophistication to an outfit. Whether used in classic, modern or even unisex fragrances, gardenia remains a prized note in perfumery for its timeless charm and powerful olfactory impact.
Numerous combinations are possible with gardenia in perfumery. Here are just a few:
• Gardenia-Jasmine accord: The combination of gardenia with jasmine creates a lush, sensual white floral accord. These two floral notes complement each other, adding depth and opulence to the composition.
• Gardenia-Tuberose accord: The combination of gardenia and tuberose creates a rich, creamy, voluptuous accord. These two opulent floral notes reinforce each other, creating a fragrance that is both seductive and bewitching.
• Gardenia-Vanilla accord: The blend of gardenia and vanilla creates a sweet, gourmand accord. The velvety softness of vanilla blends perfectly with the floral richness of gardenia, creating a comforting, sensual composition.
• Gardenia-Bergamot accord: The combination of gardenia and bergamot creates a balanced harmony of freshness and sweetness. The citrus note of bergamot adds luminosity and vivacity to the floral richness of gardenia.
• Gardenia-sandalwood accord: The blend of gardenia and sandalwood creates a warm, woody accord. The floral character of gardenia harmonizes with the warmth and creamy softness of sandalwood, creating a composition that is both elegant and comforting.
Interesting fact !
Gardenia offers a multitude of benefits and virtues. Its bewitching fragrance has soothing properties, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. It also has anti-inflammatory properties beneficial to the skin and is renowned for its aphrodisiac qualities.
Gardenia invigorates the spirit and offers a feeling of vitality, while providing antioxidant protection to preserve the skin's youthfulness. On a spiritual level, it is considered a sacred flower, symbolizing purity and love.
Popular gardenia perfumes
• Flora Gorgeous Gardenia by Gucci: In this composition, gardenia is the main note, creating a delicate, intoxicating fragrance. Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de parfum opens with top notes of pear and red berries, before revealing a captivating floral heart of gardenia, frangipani and jasmine. Gardenia eau de parfum adds a sensual, velvety dimension to the composition, evoking an aura of refined femininity. Finally, the fragrance rests on a creamy, woody base, reinforcing its elegant, sophisticated character.
• Gardénia Eau de Parfum Spray by Chanel: This iconic eau de parfum features the rich, opulent note of gardenia. Gardénia opens with luminous citrusy top notes, then quickly develops into a sumptuous heart with notes of gardenia, jasmine and rose, with accents of ylang-ylang. Gardenia is the undisputed star of the fragrance, evoking a lush, voluptuous white flower. Finally, the fragrance rests on a woody, animalic base that adds a touch of depth and intensity to the fragrance that you can wear throughout the day.
• Cruel Gardénia by Guerlain is a white floral eau de parfum emblematic of the brand's exclusive collection. Created in 2008 by perfumer Thierry Wasser, it captures the bewitching essence of the gardenia flower. Fresh notes of mandarin, bergamot and neroli offer a luminous opening, while gardenia, jasmine and magnolia make up the heart notes, evoking a captivating florality. Finally, creamy accents of sandalwood, vanilla and white musk bring warmth and sensuality to the base notes. It's a sophisticated, feminine fragrance, perfect for special occasions with a captivating bottle.
Other well-known gardenia perfumes are: White Gardenia Petals by Illuminum, Byredo Casablanca Lily (2019), Cartier La Panthère, Tocca Florence, Versace Crystal Noir, Estée Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia, Cartier La Panthère, Flora by Gucci, Gorgeous Gardenia by Gucci and Diesel Fuel For Life Unlimited Eau de Toilette by Diesel.
Who knows, maybe Bon Parfumeur, our 100% made-in-France perfume brand, will one day offer products with gardenia! In any case, we warmly invite you to visit our website or come and meet us in store!
