Magnolias are a backyard favorite for a reason—and it’s not just those stunning, show-stopping blooms. It’s that one-of-a-kind fragrance! Most varieties have a creamy, sweet scent with just a hint of refreshing lemon. The best part? If you know the right tricks, you can actually capture that heavenly aroma and make your own DIY perfume right at home.
The Magic of Magnolia Essential Oils
Did you know there are over 200 different species of magnolias? Because there’s so much variety, their flowers don’t just look different—they smell different, too. While a few rare types can smell a bit funky, most magnolias produce a scent that is absolutely divine. This is all thanks to the essential oils tucked away in the petals. You can extract these oils to use in diffusers or for aromatherapy. In fact, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the scent of magnolia is famous for its incredible calming and soothing effects.
How to Make Your Own Magnolia Perfume
Making your own magnolia-scented perfume is actually pretty straightforward. One quick heads-up, though: since you aren’t using the heavy preservatives found in store-bought brands, your homemade blend won’t last forever. It’s best to mix up small, fresh batches as you go. Here is my favorite “recipe” for a balanced, floral scent:
- 10 ml Jojoba oil (this acts as your base)
- 6 drops Magnolia blossom essential oil
- 2 drops Jasmine
- 2 drops Cedarwood
- 3 drops Linaloe wood
If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation, you can also add magnolia oil directly to your bathwater! Just a few drops mixed with sandalwood and rose will make your bathroom feel like a high-end spa. Now, I’ll be honest—high-quality magnolia oil can be a bit pricey. But when you realize it takes about 330 pounds of fresh blossoms to produce just one liter of oil through alcohol extraction, that price tag starts to make a lot more sense!
The Best Varieties for Fragrance
As I mentioned, not all magnolias are created equal when it comes to scent. If you’re looking to plant one specifically for its perfume, you can’t go wrong with these three winners: the Lily Magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), the classic Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia soulangeana), and the Kobus Magnolia (Magnolia kobus). These are widely considered to have the most pleasant and iconic fragrances in the magnolia family.
