Gardenia is a genus of flowering plants in the coffee family, Rubiaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Madagascar, and the Pacific Islands. These plants are well-regarded for their glossy green leaves and beautifully fragrant white or yellow flowers.
Gardenia flowers have a rich, intoxicating fragrance that is widely cherished in perfumery and aromatherapy. The scent profile of gardenia is complex and multi-layered; it primarily exudes a fresh, floral aroma that is both sweet and slightly green. The top notes are often a blend of velvety richness with a hint of soft spice, while middle notes carry a profound, creamy floral essence reminiscent of jasmine and tuberose. The base notes may touch upon earthy and musky undertones, lending a subtle depth that enhances the lushness of the overall floral scent.
Its signature fragrance makes gardenia popular for use in perfumes, scented candles, and body care products, where it imparts a sense of elegance and tranquil beauty. However, encapsulating the true essence of gardenia in products can be challenging, as the flowers themselves do not yield essential oil through traditional methods like steam distillation, often requiring extraction through enfleurage or solvent methods to capture its scent.