Pogostemon cablin (Patchouli). If anyone grows this can you please tell me what it smells like? I have seen this plant online & I have been tempted because I love fragrant plants & I liked the part about rubbing the leaves on your skin to repel insects, and when I saw it was used for perfume I right away thought AH HA, I need this! LOL But then I saw something else that says it is used in incense and that was a real turn off because I really dislike the smell of incense & really do not want to be rubbing that smell all over my arms. So can anyone help me with this? Thanks! Donna
Patchouli
patchouli is a earthy smelling as far as I know in perfume and insence. It is used in both insence and in oil perfume fragrances.
You want to know what it smells like, head to the nearest new age shop and ask to sniff a sample.
It smells like the 60's to me....been there, done that...
ok, thanks. I think I will pass. I like smells like gardenia, lilac and jasmine. When I saw perfume, that is the type of smell that came to mind. But earthy and incense? No thanks. LOL
I appreciate your help. :~)
Donna
Fresh patchouli in the garden does not smell like the oil people wore in the 60's. It is a much fresher and lighter scent, and I am not the biggest patchouli fan, but after smelling fresh patchouli, added it to my garden. Everyone who tells me they hate patchouli, love it fresh when I cut some off and always ask what it is. When I tell them its patchouli, they can't believe it. Also, I do grow patchouli in the pot with my gardenia.
kanita
I never thought i'd like patchouli. But the real essential oil while earthy combines nicely with the floral. I went and paid bout 30 bucks for a dram of really good essential oil a few years ago, it is still around and only use it for special occasions.
anyway. It is patchouli and china rain(yllang ylang and jasmine). My skin brings out the patchoulie but it smells real nice.
Go smell it yourself before giving it a pass. AT the absolute worst pair it with jasmine, or a very overly sweet plant to help tone it down.
I agree with kanita that the fresh patchouli smells really different. To get the oil, they ferment the leaves first, like with black tea.
PudgyMudpies, you must get it if you love fragrance. I'm a rosariun and it's a must have plant for fragrance. If you love Osmanthus Fragrans, gardenia,magnolia,moonvine,brugs,etc, you'll love it. It's addicting. My friends walk past, I tear off 1 leaf, and an hour later they are still rubbing it and smelling. It's sooooooooo yummy
hilary ps. I'm a 60's girl and it's not like that at all.
wow, I guess I am just going to have to get one & smell it. If it does not agree with me I will just find another home for it. Thanks everyone for your input! Much appreciated. :~)
FYI http://www.bigdipperfarm.com/cgi-bin/searchall.pl
will have plant available 4/17 CHEAP
I love pathouli....must be the old hippie in me! It does smell alot like the old scented oil (just not the cheap incense) to me.