What does Cherry Blossom smell like?
Under a cherry tree in bloom, what you mostly smell is spring air. The flower itself is faint, with a hint of almond and a little honey. So perfumers invented their own sakura. It is rosy and powdery, sometimes a bit fruity. The effect is delicate, never heady. In perfume cherry blossom lightens a floral heart. On skin it stays soft and discreet.
Origin and production
Japanese flowering cherries belong mostly to Prunus serrulata and its hybrids. Their spring bloom gives rise to hanami, the Japanese custom of flower viewing. No commercial essence is extracted from the petals. The note is rebuilt from floral and almond-like molecules, sometimes heliotropin or rosy notes. Each house composes its own version.
How perfumers use it
Cherry blossom pairs with rose, almond, rice and musks. Kenzo Amour (2006) surrounds it with rice, white tea and frangipani. Repetto (2014) sets it in the heart with rose and almond. Dior Sakura (2018) lays it over a base of mimosa and violet. Chloé Fleur de Parfum (2016) blends it with rose and blackcurrant above a rice note.
How to wear it
Cherry blossom is a spring daytime note. Three sprays of Kenzo Amour still feel light. On dry skin it disappears quickly.