Plum blossom is deceptively delicate—imagine stepping into an orchard on the first warm day of spring. It's floral without being perfume-y; think of fresh almond extract meets white flowers, with a whisper of green tea and soft fruit skin. There's an almost powdery sweetness, like peach skin dusted with talc, paired with a subtle spice (reminiscent of clove). It's ethereal and slightly peppery, never heavy or cloying.
Plum blossom (Prunus species) flourishes across East Asia, particularly Japan and China, where it holds cultural significance in art and poetry. The flowers themselves produce minimal fragrant oils, so perfumers primarily use synthetic molecules—iso E Super, damascone, and aldehyde accords—to recreate that characteristic scent. These synthetics capture the delicate, slightly fruity-floral character that natural extraction cannot adequately preserve. Some modern perfumers also incorporate absolutes from related stone fruits.
Plum blossom typically acts as a romantic, supporting floral note rather than a star ingredient. It adds softness and feminine elegance to compositions, often playing bridge between fruity and white floral notes. Perfumers use it to introduce subtlety and a whisper of spice without overwhelming. It pairs beautifully with aldehydes, musk, and woody bases, lending an innocent, spring-like quality to fragrances.
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