Daphne Bouquet

The Verdict

Penhaligon's Daphne Bouquet arrives in 2025 as a limited-edition tribute to the Highgrove Gardens, the private estate of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. This floral-chypre composition spotlights the delicate daphne flower cultivated on the estate's grounds, with ten percent of proceeds supporting The King's Foundation's work in heritage crafts and sustainability.

The result is a fragrance that manages to feel both regal and approachable. Early reviews praise its green, grounding character and describe it as "a statement fragrance that actually stands for something." It is absolutely unisex and has been described as quite a delight to wear at any time of day.

What It Smells Like

Despite its floral name, Daphne Bouquet leans more green and mossy than you might expect. The opening features blackcurrant leaf providing a tart, zesty freshness that keeps the composition vibrant and energetic. The cassis note is noticeable but not overwhelming, playing a supporting role to the broader green character.

As it settles, the daphne flower accord emerges at the heart, bringing a delicate sweetness that becomes more apparent as the blackcurrant fades. Penhaligon's selected a fresh moss accord for the base that reads as if it has just received an April shower: clean, reviving, crisp, and green. This is not the leathery, smoky moss of vintage chypres but something lighter and more contemporary, settling into a drydown of high-quality freshness reminiscent of a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers.

When to Wear It

Daphne Bouquet is built for spring and summer. Its fresh, green character makes it ideal for daytime wear, garden parties, casual outings, and office environments where you want something sophisticated without being overwhelming. The lightness of the composition means it works well in warm weather without becoming cloying.

Longevity & Projection

For a fresh fragrance from a modern Penhaligon's release, the performance is impressive. Reviewers report nearly four hours of wear with decent projection, which stands out positively compared to many newer releases from the house. The sillage is good enough to be noticed by those around you without dominating a room.

The Community Says

Early reception has been warm, with reviewers praising its freshness, sophistication, and wearability. One reviewer noted that Daphne Bouquet was the first perfume in ages that made them stop mid-errand and think positively about it. The moss accord in particular has drawn compliments for avoiding the heavy, smoky character that moss notes sometimes carry.

Some reviewers note that the fragrance is less floral than one might anticipate from the name, with the green and mossy elements taking center stage. This has been viewed as a positive by most, contributing to its genuinely unisex appeal.

Who Should Buy This

Daphne Bouquet is ideal for those who appreciate green, chypre-leaning fragrances with a modern sensibility. If you enjoy compositions where moss and greenery take the lead over heavy florals, this delivers elegantly. Penhaligon's collectors and Anglophiles will appreciate both the quality and the royal garden backstory.

The eco-conscious packaging, made from recycled paper with sugarcane foam and organic ink, adds appeal for sustainability-minded buyers.

The Bottom Line

Daphne Bouquet is a thoughtful, well-crafted green floral-chypre that captures the spirit of an English garden without cliche. Its limited-edition status and charitable purpose give it meaning beyond the scent itself, while the fresh moss and daphne accord deliver a genuinely pleasant wearing experience suited to warmer months and everyday elegance.