Ingredient Guide
Two types of mimosa are used in perfumery, with the botanical names Acacia dealbata Lam and Acacia floribunda Wild (also called fusa-akashia in Japan). Cassie and mimosa are close relatives, differing only in species. Outside Japan, mimosa is often simply called acacia.
Native to Australia, mimosa was introduced to Europe by Captain James Cook in 1776, although accounts vary. In France, it is cultivated extensively, particularly in the Tanneron valley and the Tereru Mountains. Louis Vuitton’s Heures d’Absence uses mimosa from Tanneron. Mimosa festivals are also held in Tanneron, where the best mimosa of the year is sometimes chosen.
Mimosa blooms from mid-December to early April, with an annual yield of 5,000–6,000 kg per hectare (an area measuring 100 m by 100 m).
As for its scent, the concrete obtained by solvent extraction differs from the scent of the flower, suggesting ylang-ylang and orris. When it is made into an absolute, it has floral, aldehydic, and green notes, as well as a fruity quality. Incidentally, the first to propose using mimosa in perfume were the Bertrand brothers, founders of Roure-Bertrand.
What Does It Smell Like in Perfume?
In perfume, mimosa is a soft, powdery floral scent reminiscent of pollen, hay, honey, and tea. The natural absolute obtained from the flowers and small twigs of Acacia dealbata also has green-leaf, fruity, anise-like, and watery melon facets, bringing a light green touch to the floral sweetness. A mimosa impression can also be built from a combination of synthetic fragrance materials. For example, HELIOTROPIN BASE, which also has a mimosa character, adds creamy powderiness through almond, vanilla, and milky sweetness.
Choosing a fragrance with mimosa
When choosing mimosa, consider its pollen-like powderiness separately from its honeyed sweetness to narrow down what you enjoy.
- Soft, airy flowers: Heliotrope or iris can appeal if you enjoy a powdery floral texture.
- Different kinds of sweetness: Honeyed floral sweetness differs from the creamy sweetness of tonka or vanilla.
- A lighter accent: Citrus, green leaves or spices introduce contrast to the soft flowers.
A fragrance to explore mimosa
Mimosa & Cardamom Cologne (Jo Malone London)
Honeyed mimosa is accented with cardamom and softened by tonka bean, sandalwood and heliotrope. Cardamom gives the sweet, powdery flowers a lively accent.
Find your next fragrance
In Fragrance Finder, choose “Favorite fragrances & notes” on the home screen, then look for notes you enjoy under “Favorite notes”. Select from the available suggestions and press “Next”.
