Fragonard — Rose de Mai
Essence
Rose de Mai is Fragonard’s 1998 green, dewy rose: an affordable, transparent floral with a fresh garden character instead of a dark, jammy or oud-heavy style.
Scent Profile
Although the short catalog pyramid names only rose, the fuller composition includes gardenia, violet, lily-of-the-valley, ylang-ylang, jasmine and blackcurrant leaf. The start is green and faintly tart, with cassis leaf giving the rose a crisp garden edge. Violet adds a touch of powder and ylang-ylang supplies restrained warmth. As it wears, the green edge eases and the scent becomes a silky rose with a fruity, lightly honeyed skin-scent finish. It remains transparent and fairly linear. Some skin types find it metallic or sour, and paper samples do not always show the fragrance at its best.
Performance
Performance varies considerably. Some people find it lasts most of a day, while a more typical experience is a close, four-hour-or-less EDT wear; others need to reapply after two hours. Spray generously and regard it as a light floral rather than a long-lasting statement.
Wearing Context
This is a daytime rose for spring and warm weather, including office settings and May or June weddings. It is cheerful, classic and feminine rather than sultry. The powdery, old-fashioned facet may appeal most to someone who enjoys traditional floral styling.
Comparisons & DNA
Diptyque L’Ombre dans l’Eau is the most useful comparison because both pair rose with blackcurrant-leaf greenness, though Diptyque is more upscale in presentation. Hermetica Rosefire offers a fuller modern reference, while Lalique Amethyst helps explain the cassis accent. Rose de Mai is lighter, simpler and more casual than all three.
Reception
It is broadly liked as a fresh, natural-feeling rose with unusually good value. The recurring complaints are inconsistent longevity, a soapy or powdery turn, and a simple profile in a crowded category. It is a gentle everyday rose, not a forceful collector’s rose.
Versions & Reformulation
The original 1998 version is being discontinued, with a new version announced for March 2026. The incoming formula changes the shape to bergamot and blackcurrant over Centifolia rose, cedar and amber. Buyers seeking the green original should look for remaining stock.
Acquisition Notes
The original is in limited supply through house boutiques and the official store. It has historically been inexpensive in refillable 100 ml and 200 ml formats. Timing is now more important than hunting for discounts because the original formula is being phased out.
Notable Facts & Lore
- Rose de Mai takes its name from Grasse’s May rose, Rosa centifolia.
- It is part of the Les Naturelles line.
- A new version is scheduled to replace the original in 2026.