Neroli
Citrus aurantium
Family: Rutaceae · Also called Orange Blossom, Zagara, Fleur d'Oranger
Citrus & Bright · Spring bloomer
Neroli is the essential oil steam-distilled from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree, the same tree that gives us three distinct perfumery materials (neroli from flowers, petitgrain from leaves, bitter orange oil from peels). The fragrance is one of perfumery's most important and versatile notes: bright, honeyed, and green, with an almost metallic freshness.
purity, eternal love, good fortune
In the Victorian language of flowers, neroli means “Purity and eternal love”. Neroli oil takes its name from Anna Maria de La Trémoille, Princess of Nerola, who used it to perfume her gloves and bath in the 17th century. Orange blossom has been traditional in bridal bouquets since the Crusades, the white flowers on an evergreen tree symbolize purity and fertility simultaneously.
Did You Know?
A single bitter orange tree yields three different essential oils from three different parts: neroli (flowers), petitgrain (leaves and twigs), and bitter orange (peel). Neroli oil is astonishingly expensive, it takes about 1,000 pounds of blossoms to produce a single pound of oil.
Citrus groves of Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, and southern France
Neroli is native to Southeast Asia (cultivated in Mediterranean). It naturally grows in citrus groves of tunisia, morocco, egypt, and southern france.
Scent Profile
“A radiant orange blossom fragrance with honeyed sweetness and a distinctive green-metallic edge, refined, luminous, and euphoric.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameCitrus aurantium
- FamilyRutaceae
- Native ToSoutheast Asia (cultivated in Mediterranean)
- Bloom SeasonSpring
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
Neroli oil takes its name from Anna Maria de La Trémoille, Princess of Nerola, who used it to perfume her gloves and bath in the 17th century. Orange blossom has been traditional in bridal bouquets since the Crusades, the white flowers on an evergreen tree symbolize purity and fertility simultaneously.