Ylang-Ylang
A tropical tree producing cascading yellow-green flowers with one of the most intoxicating fragrances in the perfume world.
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Meet Ylang-Ylang
A tropical tree producing cascading yellow-green flowers with one of the most intoxicating fragrances in the perfume world. Ylang-ylang flowers are steam-distilled for essential oil that is a key ingredient in Chanel No. 5 and many luxury perfumes. Grow only in tropical climates or heated conservatories, as it requires year-round warmth above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
When to plant Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-ylang can be grown from fresh seed, which germinates readily. Clean the flesh from fresh berries and sow immediately at 1cm depth in moist, warm compost. Keep at 25-30°C with consistent moisture. Germination takes 2-8 weeks. Seeds lose viability quickly and must be sown within a few weeks of harvest. Seedlings grow rapidly in warm conditions. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken from mature trees can also root with bottom heat and humidity, though success rates are moderate.
Your Ylang-Ylang Year
Composed for Zone 7 · typical seasons · frost passes Apr 2, returns Nov 1
Sow Ylang-Ylang Apr – Jun, pick Jan – Dec. Set your climate below and every date on this plate re-times itself.
How to grow Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-ylang is a fast-growing tropical tree that can reach 20-30 meters in its native habitat but is typically maintained at 3-5 meters in cultivation through regular pruning. The tree produces cascading, tentacle-like yellow-green flowers year-round in tropical conditions, each releasing an intensely sweet, exotic fragrance that intensifies at night.
In tropical regions (zones 10-12), plant in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Ylang-ylang grows rapidly and begins flowering within 2-3 years of planting. Provide regular watering during establishment but reduce once the deep root system develops. The tree tolerates brief dry spells but performs best with consistent moisture.
In temperate climates, grow in large containers in a heated greenhouse or conservatory, maintaining temperatures above 15°C year-round. Prune to keep the tree at manageable size—ylang-ylang responds well to training and can even be maintained as a large bushy specimen through regular cutting. High humidity is important; mist regularly or use a humidity tray. Flowering occurs on mature wood, so allow some branches to develop before pruning.
Ylang-Ylang needs more room than a 4 × 8 ft bed gives
Each Ylang-Ylang wants 300 cm of elbow room. The planner keeps that spacing for you — every plant, every bed.
Feed it well
Ylang-ylang requires rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0. In containers, use a quality multipurpose compost mixed with 20% perlite for drainage. Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. In tropical gardens, top-dress with compost twice a year. The tree is a moderate to heavy feeder that rewards generous nutrition with more abundant flowering.
Ideal Temperature
Hardiness Zone Compatibility
From seed to harvest, stage by stage
Seed Germination
Ylang-ylang seeds have a hard outer coat and benefit from soaking in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. Plant seeds about 1 cm deep in a warm, moist, well-draining seed mix and maintain temperatures of 24-30°C. Germination is slow and erratic, often taking 2-4 weeks, and rates improve with bottom heat and consistent humidity.
Seedling Establishment
Young seedlings emerge with simple, glossy oval leaves and a single slender stem. Growth is moderately fast in warm conditions with high humidity. Seedlings are sensitive to cold drafts, dry air, and direct afternoon sun during this vulnerable stage.
Juvenile Vegetative Growth
The young tree develops a sturdy central trunk with horizontal branching and large, alternating glossy leaves up to 20 cm long. Growth is rapid in ideal conditions, with the tree adding 60-90 cm of height per year. The canopy begins to take on its characteristic spreading, slightly drooping form.
Pre-Flowering Maturation
The tree continues to develop its branching structure and dense foliage canopy. Bark becomes more textured and woody. In ideal tropical conditions, some trees may produce their first flower buds toward the end of this stage, though many take 2-3 years from seed to first bloom.
First Flowering
Clusters of pendulous flowers appear along the branches, initially green and gradually turning yellow as they mature. The flowers release their intoxicating fragrance most intensely during the evening and early morning hours. Each flower has 6 long, narrow, curling petals that droop gracefully.
Mature Production
A well-established ylang-ylang tree flowers prolifically and nearly continuously in tropical climates, with peak production during the warm, wet season. Mature trees can produce 9-11 kg of fresh flowers per year. The tree develops a beautiful open canopy with gracefully drooping branches laden with fragrant blossoms.
Cover seed trays with a clear humidity dome and place in a warm location out of direct sun. Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Be patient as germination can be unpredictable.
Caring for Ylang-Ylang month by month
What to do each month for your Ylang-Ylang
July
You are hereNo specific care tasks for this month.
Harvesting Ylang-Ylang
Harvest ylang-ylang flowers early in the morning when their fragrance is at its most intense. The flowers are ready to pick when they turn from green to yellow-green and begin to droop slightly. Pick individual flowers by hand, being gentle to avoid bruising which degrades the essential oil quality. For the finest 'extra' grade oil, harvest flowers that have just fully opened and are still slightly greenish-yellow.
assuming you sow when the window opens — set your real date
Pick Ylang-Ylang promptly and the plant keeps producing.
Storage & Preservation
Ylang-ylang flowers are extremely perishable and should be distilled or dried immediately after harvest. For home use, dry flowers quickly on screens in a warm, well-ventilated area. Dried flowers retain some fragrance but are far less aromatic than fresh. For the best fragrance preservation, infuse fresh flowers into a carrier oil (jojoba or coconut) immediately after picking—the oil captures the volatile aromatics beautifully. Fresh flowers can also be floated in water bowls for short-term fragrance.
What goes wrong — and the fix
Scale Insects
PestBrown or white bumps on stems and leaf undersides. Honeydew and sooty mold on leaves. Common on greenhouse specimens.
Root Rot
DiseaseYellowing leaves, wilting, soft brown roots. Caused by overwatering and poor drainage, especially in containers.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Cold sensitivity is the primary limitation—ylang-ylang cannot survive temperatures below 10°C for extended periods. In temperate climates, heated greenhouse culture is mandatory. Failure to flower usually indicates the tree is too young (give it 2-3 years), too cold, or pruned too heavily. The dropping, messy flowers and broad canopy can be impractical in small spaces. Conservatory specimens may not flower as prolifically as outdoor tropical trees.
Growing Tips
- Ylang-ylang demands consistent warmth above 15°C at all times. In temperate climates, grow in a large container that can be moved indoors before autumn temperatures drop. Place near the brightest available window or supplement with grow lights during winter.
- Provide rich, humus-heavy soil that retains moisture while still draining freely. A mix of quality potting compost, perlite, and coconut coir in equal parts creates an ideal growing medium for container cultivation.
- Maintain high humidity of 60-80% around the tree, especially when grown indoors. Use a pebble tray filled with water beneath the pot, group with other tropical plants, or run a humidifier nearby to prevent leaf tip browning.
- Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Ylang-ylang does not tolerate drought well, and dry soil leads to leaf drop, poor flowering, and overall decline. Check soil moisture every two to three days in warm weather.
- Feed monthly during the active growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Switch to a potassium-rich formulation once the tree begins flowering to support continued bloom production.
- Prune regularly to control size, especially for container-grown trees. Ylang-ylang responds well to pruning and can be kept at 2-3 meters tall with annual trimming. Flowers form on mature wood, so avoid removing too many older branches at once.
- Protect from direct midday sun when first moving container trees outdoors in spring. Gradually acclimate to full sun over two weeks to prevent leaf scorch. Mature trees in tropical gardens thrive in full sun with some afternoon shade.
- Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer for the best success rate. Use cuttings 15-20 cm long, strip lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and place in a warm, humid propagation environment with bottom heat.
- Watch for common pests including scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites, particularly on indoor trees during winter. Regular inspection of leaf undersides and stem joints helps catch infestations early before they spread.
- In tropical gardens, plant ylang-ylang where its evening fragrance can be enjoyed, such as near a patio, bedroom window, or outdoor seating area. The scent carries well on warm evening breezes and is strongest after sunset.
Pick your Ylang-Ylang
Cananga odorata var. genuina
The true ylang-ylang grown commercially for essential oil production. Produces the finest, most complex fragrance. Slower-growing than the species.
Cananga odorata (standard)
The typical form, also called cananga. Faster-growing with slightly less refined fragrance than var. genuina. Still highly aromatic.
A young ylang-ylang tree costs $15-30 from a specialty nursery, and while it requires tropical conditions, a single mature tree in the right climate can produce 9-20 kg of fresh flowers annually. Pure ylang-ylang essential oil retails for $15-40 per 15 ml bottle, and homemade infused oils and floral waters provide a luxurious alternative at a fraction of the cost. Even as a container plant in temperate climates, a healthy ylang-ylang tree produces enough flowers for personal aromatherapy use, homemade skincare products, and fragrant infusions, potentially saving $100-250 per year on essential oils and natural perfumery ingredients.
Quick recipes
Ylang-Ylang Infused Massage Oil
10 minutes + 2 weeks infusionA luxuriously fragrant body oil made by infusing fresh ylang-ylang flowers in a carrier oil. This traditional preparation from the Philippines creates a richly scented oil perfect for massage, skin moisturizing, or adding to bath water. The slow infusion captures the full complexity of the flower's aroma.
5 ingredientsYlang-Ylang Flower Tea
15 minutesA calming and aromatic herbal tea made from fresh or dried ylang-ylang petals. This soothing infusion has a delicate floral flavor and is traditionally enjoyed in the evening to promote relaxation and restful sleep. The subtle sweetness of the flowers means little to no additional sweetener is needed.
5 ingredientsYlang-Ylang Room and Linen Spray
5 minutesA natural, chemical-free room spray that captures the romantic, exotic scent of ylang-ylang. This simple preparation makes an excellent alternative to synthetic air fresheners and can be spritzed on pillows and linens for a calming bedtime atmosphere. The combination with vanilla and citrus rounds out the fragrance beautifully.
6 ingredientsWhat's inside
Health Benefits
- Ylang-ylang aromatherapy has been clinically demonstrated to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, with studies showing significant decreases in systolic blood pressure after inhalation of the essential oil.
- The linalool and benzyl acetate compounds in ylang-ylang oil have documented anxiolytic effects, helping to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety when used in diffusion or topical application.
- Research indicates that ylang-ylang essential oil possesses antimicrobial properties effective against several strains of bacteria and fungi commonly responsible for skin infections.
- Traditional use of ylang-ylang for promoting restful sleep is supported by studies showing its sedative effects on the autonomic nervous system, helping to calm racing thoughts and ease insomnia.
- The anti-inflammatory compounds in ylang-ylang oil, particularly beta-caryophyllene, have shown promise in reducing inflammatory markers and may help soothe minor skin irritations and redness.
- Ylang-ylang oil applied topically in a carrier oil has been used traditionally to balance sebum production, making it a popular natural ingredient for both oily and dry skin care routines.
Where Ylang-Ylang comes from
Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, with its center of origin spanning the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and parts of northern Australia. The tree thrives in warm, humid lowland forests at elevations below 600 meters, where it grows as part of the forest understory or along riverbanks and forest margins. For centuries, ylang-ylang has held deep cultural significance throughout its native range. In the Philippines, the flowers have been woven into garlands and leis for ceremonial occasions, religious festivals, and wedding celebrations since pre-colonial times. The Tagalog name 'ilang-ilang,' from which the common name derives, reflects the reverence these cultures held for its extraordinary fragrance. Spanish colonizers in the Philippines were captivated by the scent and began exporting the flowers and crude oil to Europe in the 18th century, where it quickly found favor among perfumers. The modern ylang-ylang essential oil industry traces its origins to the mid-19th century, when French colonists introduced the tree to the islands of Reunion, Madagascar, and the Comoros in the Indian Ocean. The volcanic soils and tropical climate of these islands proved ideal for cultivation, and commercial plantations were established to supply the growing European perfume industry. By the early 20th century, the Comoros Islands had become the world's dominant producer of ylang-ylang oil, a position they maintain to this day. The essential oil gained worldwide fame when Ernest Beaux included it as a central note in Chanel No. 5 in 1921, cementing ylang-ylang's status as one of the most important fragrance ingredients in perfumery. In traditional medicine systems across Southeast Asia, ylang-ylang has been used to treat a range of conditions including high blood pressure, skin infections, anxiety, and digestive disorders. Today, the tree is cultivated commercially across the tropics, from the Indian Ocean islands to Central America and the Pacific, and its essential oil remains indispensable to the global fragrance and aromatherapy industries.
Ylang-Ylang: did you know?
Fascinating facts about Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-ylang means 'flower of flowers' in the Tagalog language of the Philippines, where the tree has been cultivated for centuries for its extraordinarily fragrant blossoms.
Ylang-Ylang questions, answered
When should I plant Ylang-Ylang?
What hardiness zones can Ylang-Ylang grow in?
How much sun does Ylang-Ylang need?
How far apart should I space Ylang-Ylang?
What pests and diseases affect Ylang-Ylang?
How do I store Ylang-Ylang after harvest?
What are the best Ylang-Ylang varieties to grow?
What soil does Ylang-Ylang need?
Can I grow ylang-ylang in a non-tropical climate?
How long does it take for ylang-ylang to flower from seed?
When is the best time to harvest ylang-ylang flowers?
Is ylang-ylang essential oil safe to use on skin?
Why are the leaves on my ylang-ylang tree turning yellow and dropping?
What companion plants grow well with ylang-ylang?
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From the “When to plant” sectionDrag-and-drop bed planner
Design beds on a grid. Every plant snaps to its proper spacing, and you can see your whole season laid out before you spend a cent on seed.
From the “Growing guide” sectionCompanion conflicts, caught early
200+ good-and-bad pairings checked live as you plant — so a season-wrecking mistake never makes it into the ground.
From the “Companions” sectionReminders you'll actually act on
“Water the beans.” “Pick today before it turns.” Timely, specific, and tied to the plants you're really growing.
From the “Harvest” sectionSuccession, scheduled
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From the “When to plant” sectionA record that gets smarter
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From the “Overview” sectionMore Aromatic Herbs
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