The enchanting magnolia blossom fascinates us for two reasons. Both the exotic-looking beauty of the large flowers and their wonderful scent explain the great popularity of this plant.
What is the scent of magnolias?
The scent of magnolias comes from essential oils contained in the petals. Particularly intensely scented magnolia species are the Kobushi magnolia (Magnolia kobus), tulip magnolia (Magnolia soulangeana) and purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora). The scent has a calming effect and can be used in perfumes, bath additives or soaps.
Essential oil is responsible for the intense scent
However, not all of the estimated 230 magnolia varieties smell equally intense, with some specimens also emitting a rather unpleasant smell. Essential oils, which can also be extracted from the flower petals, are responsible for this scent. In this form you can preserve the scent of a blooming magnolia all year round. The essential oil, used in a fragrance lamp for example, is said to have a calming effect. Incidentally, this was recognized centuries ago by the doctors of the Chinese emperors, because they extracted a calming tonic from the flower buds of the magnolia. This is still used today in traditional Chinese medicine.
How to mix your own magnolia scented perfume
It's not difficult to put together a slightly sweet, floral perfume with an intense magnolia note. Please note, however, that unlike industrially produced fragrances, this fragrance does not last very long. For the magnolia perfume, mix
- 6 drops of magnolia blossom
- 3 drops of linaloe wood
- 2 drops of jasmine
- 2 drops of cedar wood
- with 10 milliliters of jojoba oil.
Use original essential oils, which are a little more expensive than the synthetic ones, but are all the more genuine.
For a relaxing bath, mix on a cup of sweet cream
- 4 drops of magnolia blossom
- 3 drops of sandalwood
- and 2 drops of rose.
By the way, homemade cream or soap can also be wonderfully scented in the same way.
Tips & Tricks
Magnolias of the species Kobushi magnolia (Magnolia kobus), tulip magnolia (Magnolia soulangeana) and purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora) have a particularly intense and pleasant scent. You can also harvest the flowers, dry them carefully and then use them as part of a potpourri. However, it is important to pick the magnolia flowers when they are dry (i.e. in the early afternoon on a warm, sunny day).
