In the Heretic’s Garden, nocturnal flowers reign supreme as Mother Nature’s most enigmatic treasures. Hidden under the veil of darkness, they seduce us with their intensely narcotic scents. Evolved to attract pollinators that are active at night such as the evocatively named Flying Fox Bat or the Death’s Head Hawkmoth, these botanical beauties thrive in the moonlight and attract man and creature alike with their pale, luminous petals and hypnotic fragrance. Their mysterious flowering cycles have intrigued scientists for centuries, adding to their allure, as is their ephemeral presence—many of these fleeting florals last mere hours, creating a sense of urgency and wonder.
As perfumers, we are also enchanted by these nocturnal blooms because of how powerfully they symbolize transformation, hidden beauty and the lure of the unknown. They remind us of the magic that flourishes in shadows, capturing our imagination with their intoxicating scents and ethereal glow. And we are not alone; for millennia, nocturnal flowers have been cherished for their symbolic and spiritual significance – from Daoist and Buddhist devotees using them as metaphors of impermanence, to Amazonian Shamans selecting certain varieties for their psychoactive properties to create a bridge to the realm of the gods.
NOCTURNAL TUBEROSE
Nocturnal Tuberose – Polianthes tuberosa – is steeped in mystery and allure. Its creamy white blossoms unfurl after sunset, releasing a heady fragrance that has been prized for centuries within the art of perfumery. Revered for its association with forbidden pleasures and the exploration of the subconscious mind, its intoxicating fragrance is said to promote heightened intuition and usher in profound emotional connection and eroticism. The lush, floral and almost narcotic scent of Nocturnal Tuberose is beautifully balanced by the delicately uplifting, bright and honeyed notes of orange blossom. Jasmine adds a touch of rich and heady sensuality while velvety, softly green gardenia conjure both depth and radiance to this slightly spicy bouquet. Like the Lovers card, this transporting fragrance invites us to explore our inner world and embrace the magic found in choice and the unknown.
NOTES
Top: Neroli, Linalool, Sichuan Pepper
Middle: Tuberose, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, Rose, Gardenia, Orange Blossom
Base: Ambrette Seed, Vetiver, Cistus
PERFUMER
Douglas Little
HOW IT WEARSÂ
As soon as you spray it, the addictive and intoxicating Nocturnal Tuberose immediately draws you in with its sparkling top notes of neroli and Sichuan pepper, before descending into its verdant bouquet of heart notes, which is where the magic really happens. Of the florals, the most prominent are the tuberose and gardenia – rich, heady, and indolic. As the fragrance settles, it gets creamier and muskier – the ambrette seed really rounds out and grounds the fragrance, helping it stick to the skin for 4-6 hours.
LORE LOVES
Nocturnal Tuberose is a nod to the classic tuberose fragrances of yesteryear, but offers a new, Heretical take with the addition of spices and musks. Tuberose has long been associated with sex and sensuality, and the slight animalic tinge offered by the rich white florals in this scent really exemplifies that. If you were a lover of Dirty Gardenia by Heretic, you will love this scent. For our lovers of tarot, Nocturnal Tuberose aligns with the Lovers Card, which evokes the duality of heart and head, love and limerence, light and darkness.
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