Cherry Blossoms: A Fragrant Springtime Spectacle?

Cherry blossoms are celebrated for their poetic beauty, but do they have a fragrance, and if so, what does it smell like? The short answer is yes, cherry blossoms do have a scent, but it is subtle and difficult to describe. Some people detect hints of Amaretto, honey, and green sap, while others perceive it as bitter and green. The fragrance of cherry blossoms is often replicated in perfumes, candles, and bath products, but these commercial interpretations may not always capture the true scent of the flower.

Cherry blossom fragrances are often described as having a bitter and green scent

While cherry blossoms are celebrated for their delicate beauty, their fragrance is equally subtle and nuanced. It is a scent that invites contemplation, reflecting the passing of time and the beauty of transience. This may explain why cherry blossoms have captured the imagination of poets and philosophers alike.

The bitter and green scent of cherry blossoms can be challenging to capture in a bottle. Many commercial fragrances labelled as "cherry blossom" fall short of the true scent, offering instead a bland, fruity-floral aroma. However, some perfumes come close to evoking the spirit of cherry blossoms, such as Balmain Vent Vert, which blends green leaves and sticky stems, or Ann Gérard’s Perle de Mousse, which weaves a tapestry of white petals, leaves, grass, and soft moss.

For those seeking a more authentic cherry blossom fragrance experience, it is worth noting that the flowers themselves have a subtle, yet distinctive aroma. By burying your face in the petals and inhaling the yellow pollen, you can discover the true scent of cherry blossoms, which is both bitter and green, with hints of sweetness beneath.

Cherry blossom fragrances, therefore, represent an interpretation of this unique scent, capturing the delicate balance between bitterness and sweetness, and offering a reminder of the beauty and fleeting nature of these blossoms.

The scent of cherry blossoms is said to be subtle, but not bland

Cherry blossoms have a subtle fragrance that is said to be delicate and soft. The scent is often described as a light floral perfume with a slight tartness, reminiscent of cherry fruit, and a hint of vanilla and tonka beans. While it is not an overpowering fragrance, it is not bland either. Those who have experienced the scent of cherry blossoms describe it as bitter and green, with hints of Amaretto, honey, and green sap.

The cherry blossom's subtle fragrance has inspired many perfumers to create fragrances that capture its essence. However, some people argue that these perfumes often fall short of replicating the true scent of the flower. Commercial fragrances labelled as "cherry blossom" are often accused of delivering a fruity-floral scent that does not accurately represent the real thing.

The scent of cherry blossoms is said to be subtle yet surprisingly assertive, with a unique character that sets it apart from other floral fragrances. It is a scent that evokes a sense of beauty and mortality, as captured in the poetry of Japanese philosophers.

The fragrance of cherry blossoms is often associated with the arrival of spring. The delicate white flowers mark the start of the season, bringing with them a fresh and uplifting aroma. The scent is not overly sweet or fruity but has a subtle warmth and delicateness that lingers on the skin.

Overall, the scent of cherry blossoms is a subtle and delicate fragrance that is neither bland nor overpowering. It is a scent that captures the beauty of nature and the passing of time, leaving a lasting impression on those who experience it.

Some cherry blossom fragrances include notes of magnolia and rose

Cherry blossoms are known for their fragrance, and some fragrances that include notes of magnolia and rose are:

Japanese Cherry Blossom by Dragonfly Fragrances

This fragrance combines blooming cherry blossoms with magnolia and rose, along with subtle hints of cherry, tonka bean, and sandalwood. It is described as an ozonic and airy scent that captures the fleeting beauty of springtime.

Japanese Cherry Blossom Fragrance Oil by CandleScience

Similar to the above, this fragrance oil also blends blooming cherry blossoms with magnolia and rose, along with hints of cherry, tonka bean, and sandalwood. It is designed for use in candles and melts, radiating a clean and floral scent that brightens small spaces.

Cherry Blossom Eau de Parfum by Floris London

This eau de parfum features delicate notes of cherry blossom, osmanthus, peony, rose, and ripe cherries. The fragrance is described as a blend of delicate floral notes with mouth-watering fruity accords, capturing the beauty of spring.

Cherry Blossom Room Spray by Panier des Sens

With top notes of blackcurrant, heart notes of cherry buds and blossoms, and base notes of dark, musky woods, this room spray reveals elegant and voluptuous scents that evoke the first signs of spring.

Cherry Blossom Perfume by Solinotes

As part of a gift set, this delicate and intoxicating floral perfume combines notes of cherry blossom with rose and freesia, offering a pure moment of serenity.

Cherry blossom is considered a fantasy note in perfumery, meaning it can be interpreted differently by different perfumers

Cherry blossoms have a subtle fragrance that is often described as delicate and fresh. The scent is said to be a combination of soft floral notes with a slight tart undercurrent of cherry fruit, resulting in a warm and pleasant aroma. However, the interpretation of cherry blossom as a fragrance note can vary across different perfumers and products.

Cherry blossom is considered a fantasy note in perfumery, meaning that it can be interpreted and represented differently by different perfumers. This is because the scent of cherry blossoms is not particularly strong or distinctive, and it can be challenging to capture their true essence in a fragrance. As a result, "cherry blossom" fragrances can vary widely in their olfactory profiles. Some may emphasise the floral aspects, resulting in light and nondescript floral scents, while others may lean more into the fruity or sweet directions.

Some perfumers attempt to capture the subtle bitterness and green notes of the blossom, with hints of Amaretto, honey, and green sap. Others may interpret the blossom's fragrance as primarily floral, with notes of rose, magnolia, or cherry. The addition of complementary notes like tonka bean, vanilla, or sandalwood can further enhance the overall fragrance and add depth to the composition.

The interpretation of cherry blossom as a fantasy note also allows perfumers to incorporate it into unique and creative fragrance combinations. For example, some cherry blossom fragrances may be paired with notes of green leaves and sticky stems, evoking the image of a spring garden. Others may incorporate musky or sugary notes, creating a more complex and intriguing aroma. Ultimately, the interpretation of cherry blossom as a fantasy note gives perfumers the artistic freedom to craft unique and memorable fragrances that capture the essence of the blossom in their own distinct way.

While the scent of cherry blossoms may be subtle, it has captured the imagination of many, including poets and philosophers, who reflect on its beauty and the passing of time. This has inspired perfumers to create fragrances that evoke the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms, even if they don't perfectly replicate their true scent.

Commercial fragrances that claim to smell like cherry blossoms often fall short of capturing the true scent

Cherry blossoms have a subtle, delicate fragrance that combines a soft floral perfume with the slight tart undercurrent of the cherry fruit. Commercial fragrances that claim to smell like cherry blossoms often fall short of capturing the true scent. They tend to deliver a fruity-floral scent that doesn't come close to the real thing. The scent of cherry blossoms is bitter and green, with hints of Amaretto, honey, and green sap. It is surprisingly assertive and has enough character to stand out next to the pungent aroma of blooming pears and the sugary sweetness of apple flowers.

One reason commercial fragrances may struggle to capture the true scent of cherry blossoms is that cherry blossoms have a very subtle and faint fragrance. Cherry blossoms are known for their delicate beauty, and their scent is equally fleeting and evanescent. This may make it challenging for perfumers to accurately reproduce their aroma. As one fragrance enthusiast notes, cherry blossom is considered a "fantasy note," meaning it smells like whatever the perfumer imagines cherry blossoms should smell like.

Some commercial fragrances that attempt to capture the essence of cherry blossoms include L'Occitane's Cherry Blossom collection, which includes an Eau de Toilette, a shimmering lotion, perfumed soap, and shower gel. PureNature NZ also offers a Japanese Cherry Blossom fragrance with notes of magnolia, rose, cherry, sandalwood, and tonka bean. However, these fragrances may not accurately represent the true scent of cherry blossoms, as described by those who have experienced them firsthand.

For those seeking a more accurate representation of cherry blossoms in perfume, options like Balmain Vent Vert, The Different Company Tokyo Bloom, or Hermès Eau de Narcisse Bleu are recommended. These fragrances capture the green and slightly bitter aspects of cherry blossoms, evoking the mood and colours of the season. Ann Gérard’s Perle de Mousse is also suggested for its mild evocation of spring, with notes of white petals, leaves, grass, and soft moss.

Frequently asked questions