What does Verbena smell like?
Rub a verbena leaf between your fingers and a bright lemon jumps out. It is greener and sweeter than the peel. Cut grass and a touch of herbal tea follow. Verbena has none of grapefruit's bitterness. It is gentler and almost floral. On skin it fades fast, like all citrus. Done well, it leaves a clean trail that smells like a freshly ironed shirt.
Origin and production
Perfumers' verbena is not vervain, the common verbena, which barely smells. It is Aloysia citrodora, lemon verbena, native to South America. Its essential oil is rich in citral and tightly limited by IFRA standards because of its allergen potential. Most perfumes rebuild verbena from citral, litsea cubeba and herbal notes. The result often smells cleaner than the plant.
How perfumers use it
Verbena bridges citrus and aromatics. It works with bergamot, basil and vetiver. Acqua di Parma Colonia, launched in 1916, uses it as one of its top sparks. Eau de Rochas (1970) sets it in a bright citrus chypre. Montblanc Legend slips it into a modern fougère. Less expected, Tom Ford Noir uses it to open a spiced and powdery oriental.
How to wear it
Verbena is for summer, right after a shower. Spray Colonia or Eau de Rochas generously and top up at lunchtime.