English Fern
“English Fern by Penhaligon's is a Aromatic Fougere fragrance for women and men”
The Quick Read
Respected, if divisive — a fresh spicy, aromatic composition with a warm spicy undertone. Voted best for spring wear, leaning feminine.
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Launched in 1890 by Walter Penhaligon and later revisited by Michael Pickthall, English Fern is a fresh and aromatic fougère that captures the essence of an English garden. The fragrance opens with a vibrant combination of lavender and geranium, which cuts through the warmth of cloves to create a dynamic contrast. At its heart, oakmoss and patchouli bring a rich earthiness, grounding the composition in a lush forest floor. Sandalwood provides a smooth finish, blending seamlessly into the mossy, woody undertones that linger on the skin.
Composition & Character
Main Accords
When to Wear
Who Wears It
How It Wears
Application Tips
Apply English Fern lightly to pulse points. The lavender and geranium opening is bright but fades within an hour, so allow it to settle into its earthy base notes for a more nuanced experience. This fragrance reads best in cooler weather when the mossy, woody elements are most prominent.
Walter Penhaligon
Founding perfumer · 4 fragrances
Walter Penhaligon inherited the House of Penhaligon's from his father William Henry Penhaligon, and in 1902 created Blenheim Bouquet — composed for the Duke of Marlborough — the house's most enduring fragrance, notable for its crisp citrus, pepper, and pine departure from the florals fashionable at the time.
Also created
Designer Penhaligon's
More from Penhaligon's
Edited by Scentsation Editorial
The story behind the bottle.
The crisp air of an early autumn walk through a mist-covered forest where earth and herbs mingle with the subtle warmth of sandalwood.
Fig. 01 — English Fern, Penhaligon's
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