Honeysuckle is a floral note inspired by the flowers of Lonicera, climbing shrubs found across the Northern Hemisphere. It is a sweet, nectar-like white floral with jasmine and orange blossom facets and a fresh green edge, recreated in perfume as an accord because the flower yields almost no usable extract.

What does Honeysuckle smell like?

Honeysuckle smells like summer hedgerows at dusk: sweet, honeyed and nectar-rich, with a gentle fruity note, a green, stemmy freshness and a hint of the indole found in jasmine. It is lighter and more carefree than tuberose or gardenia, and less heady than jasmine. Different species vary; common European honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) is sweet and slightly spicy, while Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is sweeter and more jasmine-like.

How perfumers create Honeysuckle

Because honeysuckle absolute is essentially unavailable commercially, perfumers build the note from a palette of materials. A typical honeysuckle accord combines jasmine materials such as benzyl acetate and Hedione, methyl anthranilate for its orange blossom and grape-like sweetness, linalool and hydroxycitronellal for freshness, and a touch of indole for realism. Green notes and lactones fill out the effect. Headspace analysis of living flowers has helped refine these accords.

Honeysuckle in perfume history

Honeysuckle has long been part of European folklore and cottage gardens, and it appears in Shakespeare's plays as woodbine. In perfumery, honeysuckle soliflores were popular in the early twentieth century, when synthetic materials first allowed perfumers to create convincing flower accords of plants that could not be extracted.

Honeysuckle in modern perfumery

Honeysuckle appears in many fresh florals, especially spring and summer releases, and in home fragrance. Its nostalgic, natural feel makes it popular with brands inspired by English gardens, and it often plays a supporting role in fruity florals.

How Honeysuckle wears and what it pairs with

Honeysuckle is a light heart note with moderate longevity. It pairs with jasmine, orange blossom, peach, green leaves, bergamot, rose and white musk.

Safety and regulation

Honeysuckle accords often contain EU-declarable allergens such as linalool, hydroxycitronellal and benzyl alcohol.