Bourbon geranium

What Does It Smell Like?

Bourbon geranium smells like a spiced rose garden after summer rain. It's floral and green, but with a peppery warmth underneath—imagine crushed geranium leaves releasing their slightly minty, slightly herbaceous oils, then layered with soft, powdery rose tones and a whisper of black pepper. There's an almost creamy, slightly fruity sweetness, like rose petals dried with a hint of apple skin. It's botanical without being medicinal; elegant rather than perfume-counter obvious.

Origin & History

Bourbon geranium comes from the island of Réunion (formerly Île Bourbon in the Indian Ocean), where French colonists cultivated Pelargonium graveolens extensively. The essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves and stems of the plant. What makes Bourbon geranium distinct is the terroir—Réunion's volcanic soil and humid climate create a more complex, rosy oil compared to other geranium origins like Egyptian or Chinese varieties. It's been prized since the 19th century as a rose substitute for cost-sensitive perfumers.

In Perfumery

Bourbon geranium anchors fragrances as a mid-note bridge between bright florals and woody bases. Perfumers deploy it to add spiced complexity and green freshness to rose compositions, soften heavier florals, or provide texture in floral-aldehydic structures. It's a workhorse note—reliable, harmonious, and naturally sophisticated.

Pairs Beautifully With

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