by L'Erbolario
Hedera by L'Erbolario is a deeply green, herbal fragrance that evokes a shaded, ivy-covered garden on a warm summer day. It opens with a crisp, astringent citrus note—grapefruit leaf and verbena—followed by a clear, airy woody base that comes from lentisque (mastic resin), giving it a dry, cooling, almost mineral quality. The scent evolves into a rich, complex green that feels more like crushed leaves and moss than fresh-cut grass, with a subtle nutty sweetness from pistachio (though not in the traditional sense, more like a dried resinous note). The vibe is unisex, calm, and quietly confident, with moderate sillage and strong longevity for a light fragrance. While some perceive it as citrussy and bright, others describe it as unexpectedly deep and earthy, with a resemblance to Un Jardin en Méditerranée or Heeley Verveine. It’s best worn during daytime, especially in spring or summer, and projects with a soft, lasting presence that lingers comfortably on skin and clothing. On personal skin, Hedera can diverge significantly—some find it refreshingly green and tranquil, while others report a sharp, pickle-like quality that feels unappealing. However, this divergence is not unusual for fine perfumes with natural materials. The consensus is that it’s not a typical citrus or fruity green, but a layered, textured green that leans more toward dry Mediterranean herbs and woods than toward freshness or sweetness. The quality is widely admired, especially at its price point, and many feel it’s underappreciated despite its craftsmanship.