Discover the floral alchemy behind our May floral fragrance inspiration and learn a simple DIY petal rinse to keep your cut flowers radiant.

Late May in our studio feels like stepping into a secret botanical conservatory. The air hums with pollinators, and every windowsill overflows with buckets of freshly cut blossoms. At Wicked Good, we believe that the best fragrances begin in the garden—and nowhere is that more magical than during that brief, heady moment when lilacs, peonies, and lilies of the valley burst into bloom.

Join us on a behind-the-scenes tour of how these iconic May flowers find their way from the garden straight into your favorite candle (or perfume), and stick around for our simple DIY petal rinse ritual to keep your own arrangements looking—and smelling—Wicked Good for days longer.

1. Lilac: The Scent of First Love

Lilacs are among the earliest heavy hitters in the May garden, their clusters of tiny blossoms releasing a soft yet unmistakable perfume. Legend has it that lilac was the flower of first love for ancient Greeks—and it’s easy to feel that flutter of romance as soon as you lean in.

• Distilled: Our team carefully harvests lilac blooms at dawn, when the essential oils are most concentrated. One whiff of those freshly stripped petals and you can almost taste springtime.

• Fragrance Translation: In our Lilac fragrance, we layer the floral heart of lilac over a whisper of creamy galbanum, a few drops of angelica seed oil and a splash of orange blossom accord. The result? A bright, tender aroma that evokes walking through your grandmother’s garden at sunrise.

Did you know? Lilac oil can oxidize quickly, so we use a gentle enfleurage technique—pressing blooms between chilled glass plates to capture every nuanced note.

2. Peony: The Plush Perennial

Next up, the peony—big, billowy, and impossibly romantic. These voluptuous flowers peak in late May, like nature’s own confetti. Their scent is softer than roses but richer than jasmine, a perfect bridge from spring’s freshness to summer’s warmth.

• Distilled: Peonies arrive still encased in tight buds. Our team lets them unfurl in climate-controlled coolers to preserve their shape, then gently steam distill the petals to coax out that heady, honeyed aroma.

• Fragrance Translation: Indulge in our best selling fragrance: Peony & Blush Suede. A lush bouquet of blooming peony petals softened by lush red apple and wrapped in creamy suede melange. It’s like carrying a living bouquet with you—fresh, floral, and utterly unforgettable all day long.

Petal Spotlight: Peony petals wilt fast once cut—read on for our quick tip to keep them looking perky on your tabletop!

3. Lily of the Valley: Tiny Bells, Big Impact

Don’t let their miniature size fool you—lily of the valley (convallaria majalis) packs a powerhouse punch. These delicate, bell shaped blooms drip sweetness and green freshness that instantly lifts the mood.

• Distilled: Because lilies of the valley are so fragile, we hand pick them with padded gloves, then steam them in tiny batches to capture the essence before it fades.

• Fragrance Translation: In Dove, the clean, dewy facets of lily of the valley sit atop notes of white flowers: rose, narcissus and paperwhites and a base of clean white musk. The overall effect? An pure, airy scent that feels like sunlight dancing on dew kissed petals.

Fun Fact: Lily of the valley was one of Queen Victoria’s favorite blooms and often appeared in royal wedding bouquets—so you’re essentially wearing a bit of crown worthy magic.

Behind the Scenes: From Craft to Candle

Crafting a truly botanical fragrance is both art and science. After harvesting each flower at its peak, we choose the method that best preserves its character—steam distillation for peonies, enfleurage for lilacs, and solvent extraction for lilies of the valley. These concentrated absolutes are then carefully blended balancing top, heart, and base notes until every candle and perfume lives up to Wicked Good’s promise of clean, evocative scent.

DIY Petal Rinse: A Simple Trick to Extend Vase Life

Have you ever brought home a gorgeous bouquet, only to watch those petals drop within days? Here’s a quick ritual to help your May blooms look fresher, longer:

1. Prep Your Vases: Rinse each vase with hot water and a splash of white vinegar to kill bacteria.

2. Trim at an Angle: Using sharp scissors or a knife, recut stems at a 45° angle—this increases water uptake.

3. Flower Food Boost: Dissolve a packet of commercial flower food (or a DIY mix: 1 tsp sugar + 1 tsp bleach + 2 drops lemon juice per quart of water) into lukewarm water.

4. Petal Rinse: Gently mist the petals with a fine spray of clean water twice daily—this mimics morning dew and keeps petals plump.

5. Rotate and Refresh: Every two days, rotate stems to even out light exposure and replace the water entirely to prevent bacterial buildup.

Pro Tip: For peonies, remove any spent blooms or yellowed leaves immediately. This keeps energy focused on the freshest flowers.

At Wicked Good, our commitment to clean ingredients extends beyond what goes into the jar—it’s about honoring the integrity of each flower. When you light one of our botanical candles or spritz a spray, you’re not just enjoying a scent; you’re experiencing the story of a May garden in full bloom, meticulously captured and preserved.

May Floral Fragrance Inspiration: Ready to Bring May’s Magic Home? 

Explore our Spring Bloom Collection and let the heady perfume of lilac, the plush romance of peony, and the sparkling clarity of lily of the valley transform your space. Don’t forget to tag us with #SmellWickedGood to share your floral displays and candlelit moments!