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 "scent" and "anthos" meaning "flower".
This perfectly illustrates the flower's reputation, as Osmanthus is famous for its exquisite, enchanting fragrance. Also known as the "flower of tea", this name derives from its traditional use to perfume tea in China.
In the beginning…
Native to Asia, principally China and Japan, osmanthus has been revered for centuries for its aromatic properties. As well as being used to perfume tea, the Chinese have also used osmanthus in cosmetics and medicinal products. In perfumery, the scent of osmanthus is appreciated for its delicate floral notes, blended with accents of peach, apricot and leather. This olfactory complexity makes it a precious ingredient for perfumers wishing to create captivating, intoxicating fragrances.
Over time, Osmanthus has spread to other parts of the world and become a prized ingredient in Western perfumery. Today, Osmanthus is used in numerous perfume compositions, bringing its mysterious, sensual charm to unique fragrances. By capturing the very essence of this delicate flower, Osmanthus-based fragrances transport their wearers on an exotic olfactory journey, imbued with seduction and mystery.
Osmanthus cultivation
Osmanthus has been a popular flower in Asian cultures for centuries. In China, it is revered for its beauty and enchanting smell, 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 the flower are held to celebrate its beauty and intoxicating fragrance.
What do you know about osmanthus in perfumery?
In perfumery, osmanthus flowers are a highly prized ingredient thanks to its unique, captivating fragrance. Its extract is used to bring delicate, fruity floral notes to compositions, adding a sensual, intoxicating touch to fragrances. Osmanthus is often associated with floral and amber accords, and its olfactory complexity enables it to play a leading role or serve as a heart note in many perfume creations.
Interesting fact!
Apart from perfumery, osmanthus is valued for its medicinal virtues in traditional Chinese medicine, relieving coughs, improving digestion and soothing muscular tension. Endowed with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, this flower is also used in skin care and health products. Its rich cultural heritage, heady fragrance and multiple benefits make Osmanthus a fascinating and versatile flower, enriching fields from perfumery to traditional medicine.
Popular osmanthus perfume
• Osmanthe Yunnan - Hermès: Launched in 2005, this fragrance is part of the Hermessence collection from the Hermès perfume house. 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 soft, delicate aroma.
• Osmanthus Interdit - Parfum d'Empire: Launched in 2007, this unisex fragrance was created by perfumer Marc-Antoine Corticchiato. The fragrance opens with top notes of tea and osmanthus, which melt into a heart of rose and jasmine. The base notes are a blend of leather and precious woods, creating a complex, intriguing aroma.
• Fleur d'Osmanthus - Roger & Gallet: This fragrance is part of the Roger & Gallet fragrance collection. It is often described as a fresh, joyful fragrance, with notes of osmanthus, neroli, grapefruit and mandarin. The heart of the fragrance is a floral bouquet of osmanthus flower, neroli and peony, while the base is composed of cedarwood and white musk.
• Hugo Woman Extrême by Hugo Boss: an incarnation of modern, sensual and assertive femininity. Inspired by the first Hugo Woman in 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 fragrance 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, creating a soft, musky fragrance. The majestic bottle, adorned with a pink silk scarf, embodies the elegance and delicacy of this bewitching fragrance, celebrating 40 years of refinement and elegance.
• Gucci Bloom Nettare Di Fiori: An immense, seductive and elegant floral bouquet, embodying the emancipation and freedom of women. Created by Alberto Morillas, this fragrance begins with a contrasting combination of rose and ginger, evolving into greener tuberose and jasmine, then melting into a mysterious base of patchouli, musk and apricot osmanthus. The timeless, delicate bottle features Gucci's iconic black Herbarium motif, underscoring the bewitchingly feminine essence of this fragrance.
• Alien Man by Thierry Mugler: A fascinating masculine version of the famous Alien, featuring sambac jasmine and offering a virile, mysterious breath of scent. The emblematic diamond-cut bottle retains its precious character and is adorned with silver nuances for a modern allure. Alien Man embodies a vibrant masculinity, symbolizing the weird and wonderful, inviting us to explore the infinite and unravel the inner mysteries of every man.
• La Panthère by Cartier: A composition inspired by Cartier's emblematic feline symbol, once again interpreting this opulent, solar essence. With its generous floral accord of gardenia and osmanthus, combined with animalic notes of musk and chypre, La Panthère offers an intense, vibrant trail, reflecting the nobility and freedom of the woman who wears it. The sculpted bottle, representing a panther's head surmounted by a golden headdress, embodies elegance and refinement, testifying to Cartier's craftsmanship in glassmaking.
Who knows, maybe one day Bon Parfumeur, our 100% made-in-France perfume brand, will offer osmanthus fragrances! In the meantime, don't hesitate to visit our website or come and meet us in store!
