Why are Iris Flowers So Expensive? Exploring with 9 "Iris Perfumes"!

It is the national flower of France and a royal emblem. Today, let's delve into the most expensive flower in perfumery – the iris.

The iris comes in various species, but only German Iris, Florentine Iris, and Iris Pallida are used to extract essential oils. Unlike other flowers, iris essential oil is extracted from the rhizomes, commonly known as iris roots.

Iris roots require three years to mature before harvesting. After harvesting, they need to be cleaned, dried, sliced, and then stored for over three years, allowing the rhizomes to undergo oxidation and produce a substantial amount of iris ketones – the familiar iris scent.

The primary reason for the high cost of iris essential oil is its extremely low yield. It takes 20 tons of dried iris roots to extract just 1 kilogram of pure iris oil. When factoring in the time and labor involved in the early stages, the price naturally becomes higher.

In addition to iris ketones, lemon aldehyde and acetone are also major contributors to the iris scent profile. Apart from the evident powdery and rooty notes, sometimes a sweet aroma also stands out. Iris-themed perfumes often require the assistance of other floral notes to present the delicacy of the petals.

After OGGNE's research, here are the 9 most distinctive iris perfumes.

1. Parfum d'Empire Le Cri

 

   This perfume stands out in the realm of iris fragrances, with some fragrance enthusiasts even calling it a masterpiece. It blends slightly acidic fruity notes and aldehydes, cold and reminiscent of the faint morning light. The powdery iris note is delicate like chiffon, possessing a gentle strength that seems to soften the sharp edges of the world.

2. Masque Milano L'Attesa

 

   This iris fragrance presents an unusual temperament. The opening is assertively leathery, even a bit overpowering. However, with a little patience, the rich and oily iris alongside tuberose transforms the scent into something lavish and opulent – like sparkling jewels under the light.

3. James Heeley Iris de Nuit

 

   From this fragrance, you can sense a robust earthiness and a hint of fresh green bitterness. The iris's sweetness is subtle, bringing a gentle breath that instantly creates a tender and quiet ambiance, as if strolling through an iris field at night.

4. Atelier Cologne Iris Rebelle

 

   Iris softens the typically cool and medicinal aspect of vetiver, enhanced with a touch of citrusy lemon, adding a fresh and lively dimension. The scent isn't sugary or powdery; rather, it resembles a vibrant and vital iris plant.

5. Etat Libre d'Orange She Was An Anomaly

 

   This fragrance is a collaboration between a perfumer and an AI tool, Carto. The sweet sandalwood and iris blend carries a sweet, powdery undertone. The warmth brought by musk contributes to creating a gentle and delightful perfume. So... I still can't figure out where the anomaly lies.

6. Van Cleef & Arpels Bois d'Iris

 

   This fragrance encapsulates the powdery and sweet essence of iris, enriched with vanilla, resulting in a creamy, velvety texture. Yet, it's sweet without being cloying – if there were desserts with this flavor, I'd easily have five pieces.

7. Dior Bois D'Argent

 

   Its fragrance evokes an aristocratic library, where precious wooden furniture releases a dry woody scent, along with hints of paper from old books. It exudes a tranquil yet scholarly aroma.

8. Diptyque Fleur de Peau Eau de Parfum

 

   The powdery texture of iris feels like a gauzy filter, infusing the floral and soapy notes with a nostalgic ambiance. The fragrance is akin to a well-worn cotton pajama, both comforting and soft against the skin.

9. Chloe Iris

It carries a pronounced coconut scent, not reminiscent of coconut water but more like grated coconut. The airy and ethereal powdery iris note feels like stepping into a sweet dream.