Ophrys Eau de Parfum: Inspired by Victorian Plant Hunters

Plowden & Fallow’s Ophrys Eau de Parfum is inspired by the British tradition of botanical exploration, curiosity and discovery. During the Victorian and Edwardian eras, plant hunters travelled across the world in search of rare and remarkable species, bringing botanical wonders such as orchids, rhododendrons, citrus and other exotic plants into British gardens and glasshouses.

The Victorian Era and Botanical Passion

The 19th century was a period of scientific curiosity and fascination with the natural world. Botany flourished, and exotic plants from distant lands became highly prized by collectors, gardeners and institutions. Orchids, with their intricate forms and unusual beauty, held a particularly special place in this botanical craze.

Orchids: Beauty, Mystery and Intrigue

Orchids were highly coveted during the Victorian era. Their diversity, elegance and rarity made them symbols of beauty and discovery. Collectors would often pay significant sums to acquire unusual orchid species, helping fuel a culture of exploration and botanical collecting.

The Adventurous Plant Hunters

Plant hunters were central to this era of botanical discovery. These explorers travelled to remote and challenging parts of the world in search of new plant species, often facing difficult terrain, unpredictable weather and considerable danger.

Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker

Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, a close friend of Charles Darwin, was one of the most influential plant hunters of the Victorian era. His expeditions to the Himalayas led to the discovery and documentation of numerous plant species, enriching both scientific knowledge and the collections at Kew Gardens.

Richard Spruce

Richard Spruce travelled deep into the Amazon rainforest, documenting thousands of plant species. His work significantly expanded European understanding of South American flora, including orchids and other botanical rarities.

Robert Fortune

Robert Fortune was an English horticulturist known for his travels in China. His expeditions helped introduce new plants to Europe, including tea plants and rare ornamental species.

Ophrys: A Botanical Fragrance

Ophrys Eau de Parfum is a green, aromatic and floral fragrance inspired by botanical glasshouses, plant hunters and the romance of discovery. The composition includes notes such as orange blossom, rose absolute and petitgrain, resting on a base of musk, sandalwood and patchouli.

This long-lasting unisex fragrance is designed to evoke the splendour of an English garden in bloom and the adventurous spirit of a bygone botanical age.

Discover Ophrys Eau de Parfum or explore our full luxury British fine fragrance collection.

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Plowden & Fallow Customer Services.