Mimosa is a winter flower that holds the promise of spring. One of my most vivid childhood memories is seeing Georgian florists in Kyiv set up their mimosa stands in the last weeks of February. My mother would buy a big bouquet whenever we passed by and bury her face in the yellow flowers. Mimosa is happiness. Mimosa is a ray of sunshine.
In Belgium, mimosa comes either from Italy or France, and when the florists receive it, just like the Georgian mimosa vendors of my youth, they also display it in the street. How can anyone resist a yellow splash of mimosa? Even more inviting than the color of this flower is its scent. It’s delicate yet surprisingly persistent, filling my entire apartment with its nuances of violets, almonds, and cucumber peels. The temptation is to look for a similar interpretation in a bottle of perfume.
One of the classical interpretations is found in Jo Malone’s Mimosa and Cardamom, where the light, creamy aroma of the mimosa flower blends with the cool freshness of cardamom, creating a bright, uplifting effect. Powdery floral notes frame the mimosa and meld into the soft musky base. While the mimosa impression is not the most natural, it’s nevertheless close.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Maison Violet’s Un Air d’Apogée explores the sensual darkness of mimosa alongside a voluptuous accord of tobacco, hay and leather. In this composition, mimosa is no longer a gentle ingenue; she is a femme fatale and she makes her statement with a dramatic flair.
The versatility of mimosa is showcased in Parfum Satori’s Wasanbon. Evoking the famous Japanese confection made with rice flour and fine sugar, this composition whips mimosa with iris and almond. The musky finish serves as a delicate backdrop.
As we explore newer mimosa perfumes, we discover a vibrant mosaic of interpretations—from the sweet and creamy tones of Reminiscence’s Sous un Mimosa de Provence, which captures the gorgeous combination of mimosa and tonka bean, to L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Soleil de Provence, which marries the sweetness of mimosa with lemon. L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Mimosa Pour Moi used to be my favorite mimosa, but it has long been discontinued. Soleil de Provence is more abstract than Mimosa Pour Moi, but for mimosa lovers, it will be a good discovery.
Atelier Cologne’s Mimosa Indigo is another interesting mimosa example, demonstrating its adaptability to different styles. This fragrance harmonizes saffron and leather with the soft embrace of mimosa, producing an uplifting scent that is both refreshing and enveloping.
In this emphasis on elegance, Colonia Pura is similar to Hermès’ Kelly Calèche, a serene and languid composition. Featuring mimosa alongside rose and leather, this fragrance by perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena takes inspiration from classical florals and adds a radiant twist.
If you’re looking for radiance, Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Aqua Celestia infuses mimosa within a green and woody composition. Mimosa runs as a leitmotif from the zesty top notes of lime and black currant to the floral sweetness of neroli and rose. The finish of creamy musk enhances the softness of the floral accords.
Another musky mimosa, Diptyque’s L’Eau Papier plays on the softness of mimosa by layering it with white musks and woods. The effect of “wet paper” is surprisingly pleasant, reminiscent of a similar impression in Frédéric Malle’s Une Fleur de Cassie, a niche mimosa classic.
Finally, I must mention my current mimosa gold standard—Prada’s Infusion de Mimosa. Tangy citrus notes in this refreshing perfume are layered with the creaminess of mimosa, creating a lively fragrance that retains a warm heart. It’s the closest thing to burying your face in a large mimosa bouquet.
What are your favorite mimosa perfumes?
23 Comments
Nataliya: What a beautiful article about mimosa. Here in Italy the blooming of mimosa starts in Februrary and last really couple of weeks.I am looking right now for another mimosa fragrance I used Mimosa & Cardamon by Jo Malone and finished it last spring.
I tried Herba Mimosa from Chloe Atelier des Fleurs line and it is soft and realistic. Probably it will be my new mimosa perfume. February 21, 2025 at 9:18am
Gvantsa: Thank you Victoria for such a beautiful article and reminding me of my youth, mimosa was the flower of end of February and beginning of March, it grew on the coast of Black sea in the western part of Georgia and mainly in Abkhazia. We used to go to Sukhumi with my parents for spring holidays and there were a lot of this beautiful tree in the botanical garden. February 21, 2025 at 2:37pm
Allison C.: Hi, love your images and descriptions! I’ve been enjoying samples of Perris Monte Carlo’s Mimosa Tanneron and Von Eusersdorff’s Classic Mimosa. I also miss L’Artisan’s Mimosa Pour Moi. Have you tried Fragonard’s Belle De Grasse? I’ve been very curious about that one. February 21, 2025 at 9:24am
rickyrebarco: Wonderful article! I love Jo Malone’s Mimosa and Cardamom, always a favorite. I also really enjoy Fragonard’s Belle de Grasse which joins mimosa with lilac, bergamot and heliotrope. I’m going to spray some now! February 21, 2025 at 10:01am
Patricia: Oh, how lovely! My favorite mimosa is Goldfield & Banks Velvet Splendour. it’s built around Australian mimosa and smells exactly like a warm sunny afternon. February 21, 2025 at 11:15am
Frank Masso: Hi! What about pink mimosa? We have the beautiful pink mimosa trees that bloom here in NY in the spring giving off the most beautiful scent! I only ever hear about the yellow mimosa. Are there any perfumes that use the beautiful pink mimosa? Thanks! February 21, 2025 at 11:24am
Sariah: I enjoy Diptyque’s mimosa candle, but l don’t know if it’s very realistic as l unfortunately haven’t smelled it in real life. I would really like to! Une Fleur de Cassie was my first FM bottle in the early or mid 2000s. Chatting with an FM SA in one of the boutiques, he said it was a not a good seller, same with my other favorite Eau d’Hiver. The Jo Malone is also such a pleasure to wear. February 21, 2025 at 12:06pm
Bregje: I have never seen mimosa here either. Seems strange that they do sell mimosa in Belgium but not in the Netherlands.
I would love to buy a bouquet February 21, 2025 at 10:55pm
Hamamelis: Mimosa is such a messenger of spring, and of hope. I love it in Fleur de Cassie, and although less a soliflore, Eau de Charlotte which I have learned to love. Sadly fresh mimosa is not for sale in the Netherlands as far as I know. I’ve never come across it, but I know its scent from holidays in Spain. Thank you for the lovely article! February 21, 2025 at 1:00pm
Nina Zolotow: I always enjoy your annual mimosa posts! For me, the timing always coincides with acacia trees blooming in my neighborhood, which is a high point of winter in Northern California. (Mimosa is a type of acacia, and at this point I can’t tell the mimosas from the other acacias but I will work on that–maybe the leaf shape?)
My favorite mimosa is still Caron Farnesiana, which I have in a vintage version. To me this smells like walking under the tree on a warm sunny day–the waft smells different than the flowers. I’m also loving Mimosa and Cardamom, which I learned about from you, as it is easier to wear during the day. This one smells more like the blossoms up close. I have tried the Prada more than once, and sadly, it just doesn’t work on me or for me. It’s missing the sweet aspect of the blossoms or something.
A guilty pleasure of mine is Zoologist Bee, which is a sweet, amber-y honey scent that has a distinct mimosa note.
Now I’m excited to see there are some new ones to try! February 21, 2025 at 1:02pm
la_ninon: Thank you for this. I miss the late winter arrival of mimosa in Northern CA. February 23, 2025 at 1:42am
Christina: Now I have much more mimosa scents to try)
I love Herba Mimosa by Chloe (very fresh, airy, with a hint of apple) and Mimosa Tanneron by Perris Monte Carlo, which is a very natural one, very close to real flowers. February 21, 2025 at 2:27pm
Maggiecat: I haven’t always been a huge fan of mimosa, but Plumetis, by Galimard caught my attention on a recent trip to Grasse. I love it – and it also has a cardamom note. February 21, 2025 at 4:57pm
Bregje: Hi victoria,
Luckily i still have a bottle of mimosa pour moi and i believe i have commented before about prada’s infusion. I’m very curious about some of the perfumes you mentioned though. Hopefully i get the chance to try maison violet and soleil de provence sometime . Lemon and mimosa sounds right up my alley. February 21, 2025 at 11:15pm
briony hey: I, too, love mimosa and I’m happy to report that a lot more florists in London are selling it. A mimosa perfume I love and often wear is Divine L’Infante. It’s very powdery and girlie but sometimes just what you need. February 22, 2025 at 2:48am
Eric Harris: Oh, I’m glad to see some love for Wasanbon, a perfume that stole my heart easily. It really does remind me of the powdery treat we would be served with usucha in tea class, dissolving lightly on the tongue.
Thank you for the list! I’m curious to try the Maison Violet most. February 22, 2025 at 3:01am
Sara Newton: This is a really odd post to read for an Australian. Mimosa here is known as wattle and is the official National floral emblem of Australia. Acacia grows all over the country in many different varieties (the leafless rock wattle is an interesting plant) and slightly different scents. It flowers towards the end of winter at the beginning of hayfever season, I associate the scent with runny nose and puffy eyes so I’m not a fan.
I do love it as a supporting player though in scents like Eau de Charlotte by Annick Goutal. February 22, 2025 at 3:24am
Anne-Marie: I agree that wattle is not universally enjoyed in Australia, despite its beauty. Me, I can’t smell it at all. I’m so envious of those who can and have often wondered if I’ve never actually smelled the species that is commonly known as mimosa. That is despite being surrounded by it in spring including on my own street. February 22, 2025 at 5:09pm
Alyssa H: I love this update, V! You will have me ordering samples even though my (by now vintage) bottle of Mimosa Por Moi is more than enough for me. There were several acacia farnesiana trees growing by the neighborhood creek in Austin, TX where I used to walk the dog, and I did so enjoy noting the differences between the powdery almond scent of the flowers on the breeze and the musky, cucumber violet notes they had when brought indoors. No mimosa spotted yet at our new home in Portland, but we get hyacinths, osmanthus, cherry blossoms and daphne instead. ❤️ February 22, 2025 at 11:23am
Isabelle: Do you know Mimosa by Le Couvent ? It looks vers close to the natural flower perfume from m’y point of view… February 23, 2025 at 6:04am
carolyn rose: Oh, thanks for this post, I do enjoy mimosa! My favorites are Une Fleur de Cassie, Mimosa pour Moi (still have half a bottle) and a new acquisition, Mimosa by Frater Perfumes. (A velvety plush, green take on the note.) Funny, I didn’t realize that Diptyque’s L’Eau Papier has a mimosa note — but this has been one of my favorite perfumes this past year.
For those who miss Mimosa pour Moi, a strange thing is that, to my nose, Guerlain AA Flora Salvaggia, although it doesn’t list mimosa as a note, smells SOOO similar to it. I wish someone else who has both could compare them, too, and let me know whether I’m imagining this or not!
Meanwhile, thanks for all the suggestions for other mimosa-prominent scents! February 23, 2025 at 4:18pm
Aurora: Mimosa always means hopes of spring for me.
They’ve already been listed but PMC Mimosa Tanneron and Le Couvent Mimosa are firm favorites with me for their naturalness, and a denser, more honeyed perfume, the discontinued l’Occitane Fleur d’or and acacia has several types of mimosa extracts in it. February 24, 2025 at 3:36pm
David: Masque Milano Ray-Flection is a good one. Mimosa, cardamom, aldehydes and beeswax. It smells like a dry sunny day. February 25, 2025 at 10:02pm