The Flower of Flowers

Ylang Ylang

Cananga odorata, better known as Ylang Ylang — native to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Let's discuss the Flower of Flowers—Ylang Ylang. One of the richest and most captivating floral scents on Earth, Cananga odorata, better known as Ylang Ylang, is native to Southeast Asia and grows on a beautiful tropical tree originally found in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Ylang Ylang is a fascinating flower, and when it comes to essential oils, it's truly unlike any other. Steam distilled, this fragrant blossom is separated into different fractions based on the timing of extraction during the distillation process. With Ylang Ylang, timing is everything.

From Seedling to Full Bloom

The tree itself grows quickly, reaching about five feet or more within its first year. While its vegetative growth is rapid, it doesn't produce flowers just yet. Between its third and fourth year, the tree reaches maturity and, when properly cared for, begins blooming twice a year. Its first seasonal harvest typically follows a heavy rainfall. In places like Comoros and Madagascar, the main harvest season runs from November through March.

Once the tree reaches about five years of age, it begins flowering continuously throughout the year. A Ylang Ylang tree can live for 50–60 years in the wild, though commercially cultivated trees often have a shorter productive lifespan of around 20–25 years due to continuous harvesting. By around 30 years old, flower production naturally begins to decline.

Why Timing Changes Everything

Speaking of flowers, let's talk distillation. As I mentioned, timing is everything with Ylang Ylang.

The flowers are steam distilled, and the length of the distillation determines the type of oil produced.

Let's start with Extra. You might think this is the last fraction collected, but it's actually the very first, usually extracted within the first 30–60 minutes. This produces an intensely sweet, light, and highly floral oil that is prized in luxury perfumes.

Next comes Ylang Ylang #1 (First Grade), collected a few hours after the Extra fraction. It has a beautifully bright, sweet floral aroma and is a favorite for aromatherapy applications.

After several more hours comes Ylang Ylang #2 (Second Grade). This fraction has a more balanced scent profile with soft spicy undertones. It's less intensely floral than #1 and is commonly used in natural perfumery.

A few hours later, Ylang Ylang #3 (Third Grade) is extracted. This is the mildest floral fraction, with stronger earthy, woody base notes, making it ideal for soaps, candles, and other home fragrance products.

Finally, after approximately 18 hours—the ideal full distillation time—comes Ylang Ylang Complete. Rather than a separate fraction, Complete contains the full spectrum of aromatic compounds from the entire distillation process. It most closely resembles the aroma of the fresh flower itself and is highly regarded for both its therapeutic value and its versatility in aromatherapy.

Ylang Ylang pairs beautifully with citrus, warm woods and earthy aromas, and other florals.

Ylang Ylang pairs beautifully with citrus oils, woody and earthy aromas, and, of course, other florals.

Ylang Ylang, Our Way

Here at Keep Calm Aromatherapy, we love Ylang Ylang in every form. Many of our blends feature different fractions of this incredible flower.

Three blends, three different fractions, three completely different moods.

It's obvious how much we love this flower and the incredible benefits each fraction has to offer. Whether it's used in perfumery, body care, aromatherapy, or home fragrance, Ylang Ylang shines in every stage of the distillation process.

#Blended