Scent Profile of the Yellow Rose „Candela“
A Glimpse into Its Chemical Scent Signature
Among the beds of the Rose Garden, one variety immediately catches the eye: the yellow Candela. Its pale blossoms glow in the sunlight – and its fragrance is just as clear and light. We captured it and examined its chemical signature.
Candela smells exactly as it looks – bright, fresh, and lively. Its aroma blends green leafy notes with the scent of young flowers: a soft, clear variation of the classic rose fragrance.
It was bred in Schleswig-Holstein (by Rosen Tantau, a traditional rose nursery). In the Mainz Rose Garden, it is planted centrally, right beside the Mainz Wheel. From here, we collected and analyzed its scent to understand the chemical basis of its bright and airy character.
We collect scent samples directly at the blossoms and break their fragrance down into its chemical signature. (Foto Dom Jack)
How we measure
We draw the air surrounding the flower through a sorption tube, which “captures” the scent molecules – without picking the bloom. Back in the lab, gas chromatography separates the components over time – each peak represents a molecule. Mass spectrometry then reveals their characteristic fingerprints. By comparing them with standards and expert knowledge, the scent profile emerges.
Each peak stands for one molecule. (Measurement and processing by Eunyeong Jin)
Our measurements show many components that together shape the fragrance of the yellow Candela. To better understand this diversity, the molecules can be grouped into three categories:
🌿 Fresh & Green Top Notes
These molecules determine the first impression – what we smell as we approach the bloom.
- Methyl acetate: sparkling, lightly fruity – typical of young blossoms, highly volatile
- n-Hexyl acetate: green, apple-fresh – a common “green” note in foliage and flowers
- 3-Hexen-1-ol acetate: grassy, freshly cut – evokes the feeling of “summer air”
- β-Myrcene: herbal, citrus-like – adds dynamism, common in citrus and herb oils
- Citral: intensely lemony, bright – often found in yellow flowers
- Sabinene: fresh-spicy with green-citrus energy – reinforces the lively, “fresh-green” first impression
These top notes explain why Candela is perceived as bright and clear at first – lively, fresh, slightly fruity.
🌸 Floral Heart Notes
They carry the true “rose character” and give the scent depth.
- Phenylethyl alcohol: classic rose, honey-warm – a major component in many rose fragrances
- Geranyl propionate: floral, slightly sweet, elegant – adds softness and warmth
- Linalyl iso-valerate: floral with fruity freshness – linking top and heart notes
- Acetic acid, 2-phenylethyl ester: rosy-fruity – rounds out the profile and brings harmony
This combination is typical of bright, elegant rose varieties. The fragrance becomes softer, more floral, and balanced – the “heart” of Candela.
☀️ Warm Base & Character Notes
These molecules contribute longevity and depth – they remain when the fresh top notes have faded.
- Nonanal: waxy, slightly sweet – common in roses and orange blossoms; prolongs the scent
- 6-Methyl-5-hepten-2-one: fruity-floral, slightly metallic – adds a ripe, sunny facet
They give Candela its “golden” warmth – perfectly matching its name.
A chemically bright rose
From a chemical perspective, Candela is a “bright rose” – with a clear, citrus-green top note and an elegant floral core. The prominence of acetates (methyl-, hexyl-, phenylethyl-) is typical for light and slightly fruity rose scents. Citral and myrcene are strongly represented – more common in citrus blossoms – explaining the sunny, almost lemon-like impression. In contrast to classic Damascena roses or tea hybrids, heavier components such as β-damascenone or nerol are largely absent – allowing the fragrance to remain airy and modern.
A scent that doesn’t overwhelm – but gently floats over the garden.
Text: Alexandra Gutmann