Such potential could not go unnoticed in perfumery. It is undoubtedly an extraordinary flower whose essence provokes a storm of emotions and transports to a realm of dreams and fantasy. So get to know this remarkable plant more closely and find out what its significance is in the art of perfumery.

What is tuberose?

Tuberose, or Polianthes tuberosa, is a flower of extraordinary beauty and an even more intriguing scent. Its white, waxy flowers develop on long, slender stems, and its fragrance is so intense that it can fill an entire room.

Tuberose blooms at night, and its aroma becomes even more intense then. In India it is called the "queen of the night". In Thailand it is referred to as the "guardian of scent". 

Tuberose oil is obtained from the flowers of this plant and is a valuable ingredient in many intriguing fragrance compositions. In the 1980s tuberose was a true queen in the world of women's perfumes, and recently it has been attracting great interest again – also among creators of niche perfumes.

At one time even Marek Grechuta sang about it, using words written by Julian Tuwim:

The lady smells like tuberoses.
It overwhelms and it excites
And I like the scent of narcosis,
And most of all when it is feminine [...]

Sounds tempting?

What does tuberose smell like?

The scent of tuberose is difficult to describe. It combines many contrasting elements. It is sweet but not cloying, with notes that can resemble honey, melon, and even wild herbs. It is a fragrance that evolves on the skin, revealing its different layers over the course of the day. Many people would probably describe it as seductive and alluring.

Tuberose warms the heart, soothes the senses, and transports to a land of dreams. It's like a walk on a tropical beach at sunset, when the air carries a blend of sweetness, exotic spices, and delicate floral notes.

Interestingly, the scent of tuberose can vary depending on the time its buds are harvested. Buds picked at dawn tend to give off a more refreshing and tropical aroma, while those picked later in the day may have a more mysterious, warm, sensual, and powdery scent.

History of the tuberose flower in perfumery

The history of tuberose in the world of perfume dates back to antiquity. It was already known in the time of the Aztecs, who used its flowers to produce fragrant oils. The ancient Maya used it in religious ceremonies, and even as an aphrodisiac. When the Spaniards arrived in Mexico in the 16th century, they discovered this extraordinary flower and began importing it to Europe.

Tuberose quickly gained popularity in royal courts. Interestingly, Marie Antoinette herself, a known lover of perfumes, was said to wear a composition containing tuberose.

However, it did not enter the consciousness of ordinary folk so quickly. Tuberose-scented perfumes became widely popular only in the 1940s and 1950s. Can you guess why it did not happen earlier? Primarily because the alluring aroma of this ambiguous plant was considered too provocative, which did not fit the customs of the time.

Their peak fame, however, falls on the colorful 1980s. The bold scent of tuberose fit perfectly into their assertive style. Today perfumers (both commercial and niche) are looking to tuberose again and creating even more original and surprising compositions.

How is tuberose used in perfume production?

The process of obtaining oil from tuberose is quite complex. It requires precision and appropriate conditions. Tuberose flowers are usually harvested by hand when they are in full bloom, which ensures the best quality oil, which is very valuable. Did you know that to obtain 600 grams of oil, as much as 100 kilograms of its petals are needed?

The traditional method of obtaining tuberose oil, known as enfleurage, involves laying the flowers on a frame covered with fat. The fat absorbs the scent of tuberose over several days, and the whole process is repeated several times.

The resulting oil is highly concentrated and has an intense scent. That is why it is often diluted with other perfume ingredients, which allows achieving the desired fragrance effect.

What characterizes tuberose perfumes?

Tuberose perfumes are usually deep and multidimensional. Its flower adds richness and warmth to a composition, and its natural intensity makes these scents extremely long-lasting.

This plant is often used in perfumes as a heart note, where its strong, intoxicating scent can be both dominant and subtle. It is also known for its ability to enhance other floral notes, making it a valuable ingredient in the perfume industry.

Discover perfumes with an extraordinarily seductive tuberose scent in our perfumery!