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At a Glance
Typetree
Habitupright-spreading
Foliageevergreen
Height240-480 inches (600-1200 cm)
Width180-360 inches (450-900 cm)
Maturity8 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
10 - 11These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancetender
Overview
Cananga odorata is the ylang-ylang (perfume tree), growing 240–480 inches (600–1,200 cm) tall and 180–360 inches (450–900 cm) wide. Yellow-green flowers 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) with long twisted drooping petals — the flowers are intensely fragrant with a heavy sweet floral scent that carries 30+ feet (10+ m). The fragrance is strongest at night and on humid days. The flowers are the source of ylang-ylang essential oil, a primary ingredient in Chanel No. 5 (since 1921) and many other perfumes — the oil is extracted by steam distillation of freshly picked flowers. The flower oil has a complex chemistry with over 100 identified volatile compounds; the distillation produces several grades (extra, first, second, third, complete) with different scent profiles. In the custard apple family (Annonaceae) — related to pawpaw (Asimina triloba) and cherimoya (Annona cherimola). Dark green glossy lance-shaped leaves 6–8 inches (15–20 cm). Drooping (pendulous) branch habit. Native to Southeast Asia (Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia). The Philippines and Madagascar are the primary producers of ylang-ylang oil. Year-round flowering in tropical conditions. Frost-tender: foliage damage at 35°F (2°C). Full sun to partial shade. Non-toxic. Growth rate is fast — 36–60 inches (90–150 cm) per year. Zones 10–11.
Native Range
Native to Southeast Asia — the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The Philippines and Madagascar are the primary producers of ylang-ylang essential oil.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen or shade tree in zones 10–11 with space for the 180–360 inch (450–900 cm) canopy. The intense fragrance is the primary feature — position downwind of outdoor living areas. The source of ylang-ylang essential oil. Non-toxic.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 40'
Width/Spread15' - 30'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Year-round in tropical conditions. Yellow-green intensely fragrant flowers. Fragrance strongest at night and on humid days. Flowers harvested for essential oil by steam distillation.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellow-green, drooping, with long twisted petals; intensely fragrantFoliage Description
Dark green, glossy, large, lance-shapedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight