Ylang-Ylang, Cananga odorata, the Chanel No.5 Perfume Tree

Zone 10

Native to Southern India, Java, Malaysia, the Philippines and other Pacific islands, the Cananga odorata is the true Chanel No.5 Perfume Tree. It's common name is Ylang-Ylang, pronounced (ee-lang ee-lang) and is among the most celebrated flowering trees in the world

Made famous by Coco Chanel who in 1923 said upon introducing Chanel No.5 in Paris,

"I wanted a perfume that is composed - not hints of roses or lilies of the valley. A woman's perfume - redolent, evocative of a woman. A perfume unlike any other ever made. The ideal scent for a woman."

So is Ylang-Ylang like Chanel No.5 or is Chanel No.5 perfume like the scent of this tree? Except for the alcohol and added power of its oils, the perfume smell to your nose is nearly identical to the tree. These famous blossoms are now used in many other types of perfumes as well

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Perhaps the only rival to this perfume tree is the JOY Perfume tree, Michele champaca

Ylang-Ylang blooms when very young. Its flowers are carried in mass clusters at the end of its elegant drooping branches

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Each flower is a beautiful five-point star which begins as white, then green, then turning a rich, golden yellow as the blossoms mature. Trees can be 30-40 feet tall

This tree blooms with tropical abandon. We have observed specimens bloom a minimum of two times a year - typically in June/July/August and near December. Mature specimens are known to bloom almost continuously all year long

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Ylang-Ylang grows with no particular requirements of soil, water or food. Normal moderate care after establishment is all that is needed

In spite of all these wonderful features, Ylang-Ylang is rarely seen in South Florida and very difficult and expensive to buy. The only ones we are aware of in Broward County, we planted

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