English Rose Fragrance

April 2022
Pink English Rose Bush

English Rose fragrance is a classic in British perfumery, headlining the delicious scent of the complex rose. At Czech & Speake, many of our signature perfumes represent our interpretation of icons in English scent, and Rose is just one. Read on to learn more about rose fragrance, its fascinating history and incredible properties.

1.

What does English Rose smell like?

To generalise, English Rose has a light floral fragrance that can be both refreshing and warm with velvety undertones. However, the spectrum of roses is incredibly broad, and under the English Rose category alone you will find variations in scent ranging from delicate and sweet to highly aromatic. Below are the key five types of English Roses, with a description of their scent.

1.1

Tea Rose

A Tea Rose smells true to the scent of tea, more specifically China tea, which is spicy, sweet and earthy. The Tea Rose scent is powerful and complex; the smell of tea dominates, later revealing softer, sweeter notes of violets and fruit. This type of English Rose appears mostly in yellow or apricot coloured roses.

Close shot of a single yellow apricot rose

1.2

Fruity Rose

Fruity Roses are a common form of the English Rose, combining the subtle floral smell with a vast variety of fruits. Some fruity notes include raspberries, pears, citrussy lemons, elderflower and exotic lychee. Fruity Roses can be found across all colours.

pink fruity roses on bush

1.3

Musk Rose

Musk is a rich and warm fragrance that is both spicy and sweet. Within the rose it is produced in the stamens, as opposed to the petals, which means the scent easily shakes off and perfumes the air with its heady aroma. Musk Roses tend to be found in Ramblers.

Pink Rambler roses

1.4

Myrrh Rose

Myrrh Roses were the very first variety  of the English Roses, and are almost exclusive to the English Rose family. Its aroma is spicy with the licorice warmth of anise, which famously divides opinion.

Single pink rose

1.5

Old Rose

Old Rose is the classic rose fragrance, and the smell is associated with traditional rose perfumes, so naturally it is the most beautiful rose aroma. Old Roses smell classic, warm, heady and sweet. To suit its romantic perfume, this rose scent is found in only red and pink roses.

2.

What is the difference between Rose Absolute and Rose Otto?

Rose Absolute and Rose Otto are both essential oils of rose that come from the flower material, but have different extraction methods. Rose Otto is the pure oil derived from the plant material using steam distillation, whereas Absolutes are extracted with solvents to obtain a much more concentrated version of the substance, with a stronger smell and higher price point.

3.

What is rose scent good for?

Rose fragrance oil not only smells divine, it has an impressive range of potential benefits. Inhaling the scent of rose stimulates the brain to release endorphins, which can ease bodily pain and sooth the mind to decrease stress and anxiety. It even has benefits when applied directly to the skin, containing vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and natural antiseptic properties. Ways to use rose fragrance to rake in its benefits include adding drops of rose oil to your bath, lighting rose scented candles to transform your space to an English rose garden, and even simply wearing rose perfume can give you uplifting wafts throughout the day.

Pink and red Roses with red a lily floating in bath water

4.

Rose Fragrance History

Rose fragrance has been a luxury to mankind for thousands of years. In the mediaeval period, rose was recognised for its healing properties and worn for hygiene purposes; used to mask bad odours, while Cleopatra of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt covered the floor of her boudoir a foot and a half deep with freshly picked roses. Iconically, the Romans were obsessed with the scent of rose, filling their fountains with rosewater, stuffing their pillows and mattresses with rose petals and famously at one roman festival (Bacchanale), Emperor Nero had silver pipes installed at the feast, so that guests were spritzed with rosewater between courses.

As perfumery methods developed through history, rose oil became and remains a staple to the industry. English Rose perfume specifically became popular with the emergence of perfumer Yardley’s, founded in 1770, making perfumes inspired by England’s diverse and varied flowers. To this day, rose essential oil appears in many perfumes on the market due to their incredibly varied and versatile properties.

5.

The Best English Rose Perfume: Rose by Czech & Speake

Discover Czech & Speake’s interpretation of English Rose fragrance.

5.1

About Czech & Speake Rose

Rose by Czech & Speake captures the essential spirit of the English Rose. This classical fragrance is light, elegant and youthful, with a beautifully simple blend of notes that has surprising hidden sensual depth. Its top notes blend delicate bourbon rose with just an accent of fresh green geranium, its heart holds warm floral notes of mimosa and ylang-ylang, completed with velvety, earthy undertones of patchouli.

Czech & Speake Rose in pink bathroom on marble vanity

5.2

Rose Cologne inspiration

The inspiration for Rose comes from our founder Frank’s fond memories of his grandma’s garden in which the lush lemon-scented geraniums melded with the scent of roses, filling the air with a delicious delicate aroma. Frank wanted to create a fragrance reminiscent of this smell, which he considered to be the quintessential essence of English roses.

Collage of Czech & Speake Rose packaging

6.

Czech & Speake Rose Product Collection

Discover our traditional Rose Collection.

6.1

Rose Cologne Spray 100ml

The Rose Cologne Spray is a classic in our collection, and a popular soft floral fragrance for women, but also loved by men. The fragrance is a traditional blend of natural ingredients and essential oils, with deep and lasting undertones.

Rose Cologne bottle and packaging on pink linen background with roses

6.2

Rose Candle 180g

The Rose scented candle is a fairly new addition to the Rose collection, and an already popular choice. As the candle burns, it will delicately fragrance the room, bringing to life the aromas of an English Rose garden on a lovely warm summer’s afternoon.

Czech & Speake Rose Candle with packaging on pink background

6.3

Rose Bathing Oil 100ml

Our Rose Bath Oil is a great choice to feel the benefits of rose to the skin and aromatherapy. A few drops in the bath will fill the air with the delicious and uplifting scent of rose, while soothing the skin as you soak.

 

Shop Rose Products

C&S popular productC&S

Rose Cologne Spray 100ml

£130.00

BUY

C&S popular productC&S

Rose Candle 180g

£45.00

BUY

C&S popular productC&S

Rose Bath Oil 100ml

£47.25

BUY

Further Reading

The Best of Floral Perfumes

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Behind the Perfume: Neroli

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A Guide to Spring Scents

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