The Immortal Flower: A Golden Treasure of Perfumery in Five Questions
Immortelle:
A treasure of perfumery in five questions
What is the Immortal Flower?
Have you ever heard of a flower that never wilts, even after being picked?
It is called Helichrysum italicum, also known as Immortal Flower or Eternal Flower. This golden flower is not only a botanical marvel, it is also a legend in the world of perfumery.
Where does it grow?
The immortelle flower grows in the sunny landscapes of the Mediterranean basin, from the rocky cliffs of Corsica to the wild terrain of Sardinia and Greece. It thrives in dry, arid climates, where it basks in the hot sun and drinks in the salty sea breeze.
But why does it prefer such harsh conditions? Nature has its secrets. Environmental stress forces the plant to develop powerful aromatic compounds, making it a gold mine for perfumers.
Why is it called immortelle?
The name Helichrysum comes from the Greek words helios (sun) and chrysos (gold), referring to its radiant flowers, which resemble the sun. The term “immortelle” comes from its unique ability to retain its shape, color, and fragrance long after drying, making it a symbol of eternity and resilience.
What does it smell like?
If you close your eyes and breathe in its scent, you will be transported to a golden field bathed in sunlight.
The scent of the immortelle flower is rich and complex—honeyed, herbaceous, slightly spicy, with a hint of warm, sun-dried hay. Some even detect a touch of curry or tobacco, giving it an intriguing depth.
Why is it used in perfumery?
This flower is a perfumer's dream. Its essential oil, extracted by steam distillation, is remarkably long-lasting and warm. It blends beautifully with woody, amber, and spicy notes, giving fragrances a unique sunny glow. But that's not all. The scent of helichrysum is almost nostalgic: it evokes summers past, sun-kissed skin and the dry, fragrant air of Mediterranean landscapes. It lends an emotional depth to fragrances, making them timeless and warm.
Beyond perfumery: A flower that heals
Did you know that immortelle flower is also a highly prized ingredient in natural medicine? It has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory, skin-regenerating, and healing properties. From ancient Greece to modern skincare, its oil is valued for reducing scars, soothing irritation, and giving the skin a youthful glow.
A bloom that defies time
The immortelle flower is more than just a botanical marvel—it is a storyteller, a healer, and a perfumer's muse. Whether in a fragrance, a skincare product, or a legend, it evokes the secrets of sun-drenched lands and the resilience of nature.
The next time you encounter a fragrance with a warm, honeyed depth, such as Immortelle Babylone by Le Jardin Retrouvé, take a moment to reflect. Perhaps the scent of the immortelle flower is hidden within, carrying with it the scent of eternal sunshine.
