What does myrtle smell like in perfume? Myrtle smells green, herbal and softly spicy, with a clean, slightly camphor-like freshness. It brings a Mediterranean, garden-like brightness to a fragrance.
| Botanical name | Myrtus communis |
|---|---|
| Plant part | Leaves and twigs |
| Origin | Corsica, Morocco and Tunisia |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Note | Top |
| Scent family | Herbs & Green |
| Odour | Green, herbal and softly spicy, with a fresh, slightly camphor note |
| Perfume uses | Fresh, green and aromatic blends |
| Key molecules | 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, myrtenyl acetate |
| Odour impact | Medium |
| Odour life on a strip | Short: a few hours |
| Found in | Lantern Reed |
Used within IFRA limits. Impact and odour life are our own studio guide, judged on a smelling strip.
What Is Myrtle?
Myrtle, Myrtus communis, is an evergreen shrub of the Mediterranean, sacred to Aphrodite in Greek mythology. Its leaves are distilled to give a fresh, aromatic oil.
What Does Myrtle Smell Like?
Here is how strongly each facet of myrtle comes through, from our own smelling-strip notes.
Green
Fresh, glossy leaves.
Herbal
An aromatic, clean herb.
Spicy
A soft, peppery warmth.
Camphor
A gentle, cool lift.
How Perfumers Use Myrtle
Perfumers use myrtle to add a natural, green freshness to citrus and aromatic openings. It pairs well with grapefruit, bergamot and woods.
A plant of myth
In ancient Greece and Rome, myrtle symbolised love and was woven into wedding crowns. It still grows wild across the Mediterranean.
Smell Myrtle in Prosody London Perfumes
For myrtle at its most expressive, try Lantern Reed. Myrtle adds a green, aromatic freshness to a grapefruit and bergamot opening.
Lantern ReedWhat Blends Well With Myrtle?
Questions About Myrtle
Does myrtle smell like eucalyptus?
It is related, but softer, greener and less medicinal.
Does myrtle last long?
It is a top note.
What pairs with myrtle?
Grapefruit, bergamot, rosemary and woods.
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