Ivy X Bon Parfumeur
Bon Parfumeur is a French workshop offering a wide range of 100% made-in-France products, from eau de parfum to scented candles, soaps and diffusers. Here's a Bon Parfumeur product with ivy that you might be interested in:
Eau de parfum 104 harmoniously combines the lush green notes of ivy, the invigorating freshness of green orange and the floral grace of jasmine and hyacinth. The result is a captivating, rich fragrance that embodies sophistication and elegance, transporting you to a countryside adorned with flourishing ivy.
Discover the timeless charm of ivy in 104 eau de parfum and let yourself be seduced by our floral collection! Now that you know all about ivy in perfumery, don't hesitate to visit our website to find out more about other ingredients, or come and see us in store!
What does the word ivy mean?
The word "ivy" refers to a climbing plant in the Araliaceae family, scientifically known as "Hedera". Its etymology comes from the Latin "hedera", probably linked to the Indo-European root meaning "to tie" or "to entwine". This etymology reflects ivy's ability to curl up and attach itself to surfaces such as walls or trees.
In the beginning…
In ancient times, ivy played an important role in Greek and Roman culture. Associated with Dionysus in Greek mythology, it symbolized vitality, festivity and fertility. Ivy leaves were used to make wreaths and garlands. These were worn at feasts and ceremonies dedicated to the god of wine, enhancing the sensory experience with their fragrant presence.
In the Middle Ages, ivy was often depicted in manuscripts and religious works of art. It symbolized eternal life, fidelity and endurance. Ivy's enduring nature and lush appearance made it a powerful symbol of strength and resilience.
Today, ivy is also recognized for its environmental benefits. It helps purify the air by absorbing pollutants, and provides shelter and food for wildlife. Its historical and cultural significance, as well as its practical and aesthetic qualities, have contributed to its enduring presence in gardens, landscapes and the collective imagination.
DID YOU KNOW? Ivy is considered a useful plant for the environment: it provides a habitat and food source for many insects, birds and other animals. What's more, it helps purify the air by absorbing harmful particles in your home!
Ivy cultivation
Growing ivy is a common practice in many gardens and green spaces. Versatile and easy to grow, ivy is a popular choice for covering walls, fences or adding a touch of greenery to interior spaces. It tolerates a wide variety of conditions, from bright light to partial shade, and adapts to different types of soil.
To grow ivy, simply plant cuttings or seedlings in well-drained soil and ensure regular watering. Once established, ivy requires little additional maintenance, apart from occasional pruning to maintain its shape or control it if it invades too much space. With its evergreen leaves and vigorous growth, ivy adds natural beauty and a soothing ambience to any garden or interior space.
The different species of ivy
There are many different species of ivy, each with its own distinct characteristics. Here are a few examples:
• Hedera helix (Common ivy): This is the most widespread ivy species. It has dark-green leaves, usually three-lobed, and produces tendrils that enable it to cling to vertical supports.
• Hedera hibernica (Irish ivy): This species has larger leaves than common ivy and a more creeping growth habit. Its tendrils also enable it to cling to surfaces.
• Hedera canariensis (Canary ivy): Native to the Canary Islands, this species has larger, glossier leaves than common ivy. It tends to be more tolerant of heat and drought.
• Hedera colchica (Colchis ivy): This species has very large, often heart-shaped leaves and a creeping growth habit. It can reach considerable dimensions.
• Hedera algeriensis (Algerian ivy): Also known as Algerian ivy, this species has oval leaves and strong tendrils. It is often used to cover large areas quickly.
What do you know about ivy in perfumery?
The ivy olfactory family is generally considered a green, aromatic note. It is widely used in perfumery to bring green, fresh and natural notes to fragrances. Its olfactory profile is characterized by a green, fresh and slightly bitter scent, with subtle floral nuances. Using ivy as a top note creates balance in fragrances thanks to its subtle bitterness and floral notes. Ivy blends well with other ingredients and can be used in a variety of fragrance families. In perfumery, synthetic versions imitating the characteristic scent of ivy are often used. The ivy accord is used strategically to create specific fragrance effects, bringing vitality, depth and a connection with nature to fragrances. Ivy contributes to olfactory harmony by balancing sweetness, adding depth and complexity, bringing components closer together, reinforcing natural vibrations and playing a supporting role without dominating other fragrance ingredients.
Ivy, with its unique olfactory profile, can harmonize with different notes to create captivating olfactory accords. Here are a few examples of olfactory accords featuring ivy:
• Green and fresh accord: Combining ivy with notes such as mint, cucumber or basil creates a fresh, lively and invigorating accord, evoking the freshness of a lush garden.
• Green and floral accord: When paired with floral notes such as jasmine, lily of the valley or rose, ivy brings a green, natural dimension to floral arrangements, adding a touch of freshness and vivacity.
• Green and woody accord: Combining ivy with woody notes such as cedar, vetiver or patchouli creates a green and woody accord that evokes a walk in a lush forest, combining the freshness of vegetation with the warm, earthy character of woods.
• Green and aquatic accord: Pairing ivy with aquatic notes, such as watermelon or water lily, creates a green aquatic accord that recalls the freshness of a sea breeze combined with the greenness of plants.
• Green and chypre accord: when combined with chypre notes such as patchouli, musk or oak, ivy creates a green chypre accord, both elegant and earthy, offering a balance of freshness and depth.
Interesting Fact!
Ivy is traditionally used for medicinal purposes, particularly for respiratory health, due to its expectorant properties. Ivy extract can also be found in skin care products for its soothing and antioxidant effects on your body. In addition, ivy has anti-inflammatory properties and can help heal wounds.
Mythical ivy fragrances
Ivy is widely used in perfumery for all the reasons mentioned above. Here is a non-exhaustive list of famous perfumes containing ivy among their ingredients:
• Poison Ivy by Demeter Fragrance: this perfume by Demeter Fragrance Library captures the fresh, green essence of ivy, offering a simple, authentic representation of the plant's scent.
• Eau de Lierre by Diptyque: This eau de toilette is a popular fragrance that puts ivy in the spotlight. It blends ivy with other green and woody elements such as pink berry to create a refreshing, vibrant scent.
• IvyME by Hermetica: ivyME by Hermetica is a perfume that highlights ivy in a modern, innovative way. This eau de parfum combines ivy with other complementary notes to create a contemporary, harmonious fragrance.
• Lierre & Bois by Parfums Berdoues 1902: This fragrance by Parfums Berdoues is a captivating blend of ivy and wood notes. It balances the green freshness of ivy in the top notes with warm, woody base notes, creating an elegant, sophisticated perfume.
• Amazingreen by Comme des Garcons: Acting as one of the middle notes, ivy brings a touch of freshness and vibrancy to the fragrance. It intertwines with other elements such as coriander, orris root, and flint, adding a unique green and earthy quality. This infusion of ivy adds depth and complexity to the fragrance, contributing to its captivating and intriguing character.
UNUSUAL FACT! Ivy can climb to impressive heights: it can climb up to 30 metres high using adventitious roots and adhesive spikes!
“Oh, a dainty plant is the Ivy green,That creepeth o’er ruins old!
Of right choice food are his meals, I ween,In his cell so lone and cold.
The wall must be crumbled, the stone decayed,
To pleasure his dainty whim:
And the mouldering dust that years have madeIs a merry meal for him.
Creeping where no life is seen,
A rare old plant is the Ivy green.” - Charles Dickens
