The Smell of Natural Roses That Last A Year – A Complicated, Multi-Toned Magical Experience

As flowers, roses have stood the test of time. Roses are exquisite and decadent. They are soft and silky. They are love and romance (and who doesn’t need a bit of that in their lives, right?) They are often associated with life’s greatest beauty, and they’ve been depicted throughout history in connection with famous royal dynasties and ancient goddesses.  While many focus on their look, it’s important to consider a much-overlooked quality of the rose – its scent. It is simultaneously woodsy and sweet. It is fruity and clove-like. It is light and feminine. And there is a reason why nearly 75% of feminine perfumes feature its unique fragrance in one way or the other.

The scent of rose has been shown to invigorate the mind and lift one’s mood. It is boosting, while helping to ease anxiety. It is indicative of relaxation and has even proven to help relieve headaches and it may even act as an aphrodisiac (well then…sign me up!)

The saying “a rose is a rose is a rose,” is not altogether true. Roses are in fact a dynamic and diverse flower. Not only do roses come in a multitude of colors, but they also come in a range of scents. For centuries, people have bred new and more diverse rose varieties by cross pollination and have tested the boundaries of the traditional rose scent.

Traditional Notes

The scent of the dark pink Damask Rose is the one most of us think of when we hear “rose.” It has long been a symbol of beauty and for centuries has been used to infuse rose water. The Damask Rose is also the underlying scent used most frequently in the perfume industry.

Fruity Notes

There are several types of roses that tend toward the fruiter side of scents. Older varieties tend to give off a more citrus like fragrance. The Bourbon Rose, for example, invokes the scent of raspberries and nectarines. Others smell more of melon, apricot, vanilla and even banana.

Tea Notes

As the name might indicated, Tea Roses have been associated with, well…the smell of tea leaves. With tones of nutmeg and fruit, many Tea Roses balance sweetness with an earthlier smell. Many yellow- and cream-colored roses, such as the 'Souvenir de la Malmaison', carry this tea-like fragrance.

Musk Notes

When you think of “musk,” the rose is probably not something that comes to mind right away, however there are several varieties of rose that share the sweet and spicy smell of musk. Unlike other scents, musk is not produced by the petals, but by the stamens of the rose. This results in a stronger aroma than many other rose varieties. Musk roses such as ‘rose Moschata’will fill an entire garden with fragrance.

Spice Notes

There are several types of roses that carry a spicy note – most commonly a mixture of anise, basil, fennel, lavender and some, such as the Constance Spry rose, have a strong note of Myrrh.

Why Are Some Roses More Fragrant than Others?

There are many reasons why some roses smell more fragrant than others and it all comes down to science. Some varieties of roses have more scent-producing glands and the more glands they have, the stronger their sent.

Did You Know a Rose Smells Different Throughout the Day?

Just like we tend to smell different depending on the time of day (sorry, but it’s true) roses also smell different throughout the day. Their scent is strongest early in the morning when bees are typically out pollinating. As the sun heats the day, the essential oils in each rose petal evaporate. As the night ushers in cooler temperatures, the rose replenishes its oils, and the process starts over again.

When it Comes to Fragrance, Does Color Matter?

Yes! A roses’ color is not purely aesthetic. Roses with the best scents have darker colors and velvety petals. When we think of the smell of “rose,” we are typically thinking of red and pink rose colors. Not surprisingly, these are the two colors we come in contact with most frequently. White and yellow roses often carry notes of lemon and nasturtium, while orange roses carry more fruit and clove-like scents. 

What About Preserved Roses?

If you’ve ever received roses, you’ll know that as time goes on, they lose their sweet smell and if you’ve ever tried to dry roses, well…take it from us…the smell dries up too. However, Don de Fleurs® box of preserved roses remain beautifully scented for up to a year. We do this by using an all-natural proprietary solution that transforms our real roses, helping maintain their freshness, shape, and smell. 

So, “a rose is not a rose is not a rose is not a rose,” is a more accurate depiction of this evocative and diverse flower. From floral scents, to tea, spice and beyond, this complicated flower of love is sure to enhance the senses and make for a magical experience.