Cananga odorata (Ylang Ylang) is an evergreen tree that is native to Sub-Tropical and Tropical regions of India, Bangladesh and southern Asia. Ylang Ylang is well known for its fragrant yellow flowers and widely used essential oil. In warmer climates, the trees are fast-growing, easy to maintain and bring plenty of bees into the garden.
Suitable for Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates and is not tolerant of frost.
Cananga odorata is native to a large range of tropical regions across Asia, some Pacific Islands and in Queensland, Australia. Ylang Ylang is the most commonly used name but others include Fragrant Cananga, Cananga Tree, Ilang Ilang, Macassar Oil Plant and Perfume Tree.
Ylang Ylang is one of the most extensively used ingredients in the perfume industry and has been nicknamed the Queen of Perfumes.
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Growth
Cananga odorata is an evergreen tree that grows to an average height of 12 metres (39 feet) by a width of 5 metres (16 feet). In the right conditions, Ylang Ylang trees are extremely fast growing and can grow as much as 5 metres (16 feet) per year. The ideal climate is tropical, humid and warm with minimum temperatures rarely dropping below 15°C / 62°F.
In cooler climates, plants must be protected from cool temperatures and periods of frost and should be kept in containers. If grown in warm conditions that range from 15 to 35°C / 62 to 95°F, Ylang Ylang trees can thrive and start to produce flowers in around 18-24 months.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Annonaceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Tropical and Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 35°C / 50 to 95°F.
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, slightly acidic.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 40m (130 feet) but averages 12m (39 feet).
WIDTH:
Up to 10m (33 feet)
pH:
4.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen/Semi-Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium.
POLLINATION:
Bees and Butterflies.
MATURITY:
18-24 months.
GERMINATION RATES:
60-75%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak for two hours and then 4-6 weeks.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 4-5.
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Fruits are edible but are tart.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C – 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT CANANGA ODORATA (Ylang Ylang)
Cananga odorata fruits are an important food source for birds including Pigeons and Doves.
The essential oil is used in herbal medicines and is said to relieve high blood pressure, assist with skin conditions and is a mild aphrodisiac. Oil from the Ylang Ylang flowers are widely used in the perfume industry, including the most famous Chanel No.5.
A common misconception about the name, Ylang Ylang is that it means flower of flowers but instead the name is derived from the Spanish term ilang-ilang which translates to wilderness in reference to the trees’ natural habitat.
The fragrance is described as heavy and sweet, slightly fruity, with notes of rubber and custard with hints of jasmine and neroli.
Though native to tropical regions of southern Asia, the economies of African countries such as Madagascar, Comoros and Reunion rely heavily on the export of Ylang Ylang essential oils.
