Magnolia

Solar notes are highly valued in perfumery. They most often combine multiple white flowers that are at once sensual, extroverted and luminous. This is an accord capable of transporting the wearer with a single breath, and one endowed with a very feminine aura. Also, although rather little used in perfumery, magnolia is a flower that forms an integral part of this category.

The origins and cultivation of magnolia

Magnolia is a gray tree bearing pink, white and cream flowers. These have the shape of a tulip or a star and adorn this tree, which can climb up to 15 meters in height. Magnolia is a plant belonging to the Magnoliaceae family, which itself comprises around a hundred and ten species. It is native to Asia and North America and has several varieties. It should also be noted that it is one of the oldest plants on the planet. Indeed, magnolias appeared even before beetles. Some species of this flower thus date back 20 million years! Nevertheless, the ones of interest in perfumery are rather Magnolia Grandiflora or Magnolia Michelia Alba, more recent species. This plant, from the Magnoliaceae family just like the tulip tree, owes its name to a tribute paid to the botanist Magnol in the seventeenth century. This tree is harvested from May to June and then from August to November. Two types of use are then found: that of its natural extract or its reproduction in the laboratory.

Magnolia in perfumes

Magnolia is a mysterious and fleeting flower. Nevertheless, its floral, green and delicate scent has much to seduce more than one. Consumers seem to particularly appreciate its spring-like scent, evocative of jasmine. Some even consider it to be perfumers’ new favorite flower. Magnolia has an intense power of attraction despite its light fragrance. It is at once seductive and voluptuous, although an ephemeral flower. Similarly, magnolia comes almost as close to a citrus fruit as to a flower. It is endowed with great freshness as well as very present sun-kissed accents thanks to their somewhat vanilla facet. While magnolia is, most of the time, extracted directly in its natural form, it can also be reproduced in the laboratory by the perfumer. Similarly, its stem is also used in perfumery, but its scent is more difficult to work with.

Among the many celebrated fragrances showcasing magnolia, l’Instant de Guerlain stands out as essential. Likewise, this plant is also present in 1881 Lumières d’Eté by Cerruti, in Agent Provocateur by the eponymous house, in Bright Crystal by Versace and in Amarige Mariage by Givenchy.