Peony Perfumes & Fragrances

Peony smells fresh, dewy and softly pink, sitting between rose and lily of the valley with a hint of apple. It is one of the friendliest florals in modern perfumery, with almost universal appeal.

No usable peony essential oil exists. Paeonia lactiflora and its cultivars yield so little aromatic material that the note is built entirely from reconstitutions using rose, lily of the valley, violet leaf and specific captive molecules. Perfumers construct the watery, almost transparent quality using muguet materials like hydroxycitronellal and Lyral substitutes, with light aldehydes and a touch of fruity damascone.

Peony is a heart note and a delicate one. Perfumers use it to give lightness to feminine florals (Paris, Joy, Chloe), to soften fruity compositions, and to add a fresh green lift to tea and musk bases. It pairs naturally with freesia, raspberry, bergamot and white musk.

Peony performs best in spring and summer, in warm daytime wear and for romantic, transparent signatures across women's and unisex fragrance.