What does the word osmanthus mean?
Osmanthus is a flower of Asian origin, belonging to the Oleaceae family. Its name comes from the Greek "osma" meaning "smell" and "anthos" meaning "flower." This perfectly illustrates the reputation of this flower, as osmanthus is famous for its exquisite and captivating fragrance. Also called "tea flower," this name derives from its traditional use to flavor tea in China.
In the beginning…
Native to Asia, primarily China and Japan, osmanthus has been revered for centuries for its aromatic properties. Beyond its use in tea flavoring, the Chinese also used osmanthus in cosmetic and medicinal products. In perfumery, osmanthus is prized for its delicate floral notes, blended with accents of peach, apricot, and leather. This olfactory complexity makes it a valuable ingredient for perfumers seeking to create captivating and intoxicating fragrances.
Over time, osmanthus spread to other regions of the world and became a prized ingredient in Western perfumery. Today, osmanthus is used in many perfume compositions, bringing its mysterious and sensual charm to unique fragrances. By capturing the very essence of this delicate flower, osmanthus-based perfumes transport their wearers on an exotic olfactory journey, imbued with seduction and mystery.
Osmanthus cultivation
Osmanthus has been a beloved flower in Asian cultures for centuries. In China, it is revered for its beauty and captivating fragrance, and is often associated with positive symbolic meanings such as love, romance, and harmony.
In Japan, Osmanthus is also cherished, and every autumn, festivals dedicated to this flower are held to celebrate its beauty and intoxicating fragrance.
What did you know about osmanthus?
In perfumery, osmanthus is a highly valued ingredient due to its unique and captivating fragrance. Its extract is used to bring delicate floral and fruity notes to compositions, adding a sensual and intoxicating touch to perfumes. Osmanthus is often associated with floral and amber accords, and its olfactory complexity allows it to play a starring role or serve as a heart note in many fragrance creations.
Good to know!
Aside from perfumery, osmanthus is valued for its medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine, relieving coughs, improving digestion, and soothing muscle tension. Boasting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, this flower is also used in skin care and health products. Its rich cultural heritage, intoxicating fragrance, and multiple benefits make osmanthus a fascinating and versatile flower, enriching diverse fields, from perfumery to traditional medicine.
Famous osmanthus perfumes
• Osmanthe Yunnan - Hermès : Launched in 2005, this fragrance is part of the Hermessence collection by the perfume house Hermès. Designed by perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena, it is described as a floral and fruity fragrance. It blends notes of tea, osmanthus, freesia, apricot, and leather to create a sweet and delicate aroma.
• Osmanthus Interdit - Parfum d'Empire : Launched in 2007, this unisex fragrance was created by perfumer Marc-Antoine Corticchiato. The scent opens with top notes of tea and osmanthus, which blend into a heart of rose and jasmine. The base notes are a blend of leather and precious woods, creating a complex and intriguing aroma.
• Fleur d'Osmanthus - Roger & Gallet : This fragrance is part of the Roger & Gallet fragrance collection. It is often described as a fresh and cheerful scent, with notes of osmanthus, neroli, grapefruit, and mandarin. The heart of the fragrance is a floral bouquet composed of osmanthus flower, neroli, and peony, while the base is composed of cedarwood and white musk.
• Hugo Woman Extrême by Hugo Boss : an embodiment of modern, sensual and assertive femininity. Inspired by the first Hugo Woman from 1997, it is aimed at bold, open-minded and inventive women, inviting them to live without constraints. The fragrance opens with fruity notes of blackberry and fresh grass, then evolves into a bouquet of white flowers, dominated by jasmine, balanced by masculine accents of black tea. The addition of osmanthus in the base intensifies the seductive side, making this perfume a charismatic asset for the Hugo Boss woman .
• Si Rose Signature by Giorgio Armani : A celebration of femininity through a profusion of roses and delicate ingredients, created by Julie Massé for Giorgio Armani. May and Damask roses blend harmoniously with iris, freesia, osmanthus, and ambrette seed, offering a sweet and musky fragrance. The majestic bottle, adorned with a pink silk scarf, embodies the elegance and delicacy of this captivating fragrance, celebrating 40 years of refinement and elegance.
• Gucci Bloom Nettare Di Fiori : A huge, seductive and elegant floral bouquet, embodying the emancipation and freedom of women. Created by Alberto Morillas, this fragrance opens with a contrasting combination of rose and ginger, evolving into a greener tuberose and jasmine, then melting into a mysterious base of patchouli, musk and apricot osmanthus. The timeless and delicate bottle features Gucci 's iconic black Herbarium motif , highlighting the feminine and captivating essence of this fragrance.
• Alien Man by Thierry Mugler : A fascinating masculine version of the famous Alien , highlighting jasmine sambac and offering a virile and mysterious olfactory breath. The iconic bottle, cut like a diamond, retains its precious character and is adorned with silver nuances for a modern look. Alien Man embodies a vibrant masculinity, symbolizing the strange and the wonderful, inviting us to explore infinity and to unravel the inner mysteries of each man.
• La Panthère de Cartier : A composition inspired by Cartier 's iconic feline symbol , once again interpreting this opulent and solar essence. With its generous floral accord of gardenia and osmanthus, combined with animal notes of musk and chypre, La Panthère offers an intense and vibrant trail, reflecting the nobility and freedom of the woman who wears it. The sculpted bottle, representing a panther's head topped with a golden headdress, embodies elegance and refinement, testifying to Cartier's artisanal expertise in glassmaking.
Who knows, maybe one day Bon Parfumeur, our 100% made-in-France perfume brand, will offer osmanthus fragrances! In the meantime, feel free to visit our website or come visit us in-store!
