Cananga odorata – Grow the Exquisite, Fragrant Ylang-Ylang Tree in Your Garden

Bring the luxurious fragrance and tropical elegance of Cananga odorata, commonly known as the Ylang-Ylang tree, to your garden. Famous for its heavenly scented flowers, this fast-growing tropical tree produces delicate, star-shaped yellow-green blossoms, which are the key ingredient in some of the world’s finest perfumes. Perfect for warm climates or greenhouse cultivation, Ylang-Ylang is an exotic and rewarding tree that will add both beauty and fragrance to your outdoor or indoor space.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Cananga odorata
• Common Name: Ylang-Ylang Tree
• Plant Type: Evergreen tropical tree
• Flower Color: Greenish-yellow, turning deep yellow when mature
• Mature Height: 30 to 60 feet (can be pruned for smaller growth)
• Spread: 15 to 30 feet
• Growth Habit: Upright, spreading canopy
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil with good moisture retention
• Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil
• Blooming Season: Year-round in tropical climates, seasonal in cooler areas
• Uses: Fragrance gardens, tropical landscapes, container planting (in cooler climates), essential oil production

Why Grow Cananga odorata?

• Iconic Fragrance – Produces the renowned Ylang-Ylang flowers, used in high-end perfumes and essential oils.
• Fast-Growing & Attractive – Develops into a lush, graceful tree with pendulous branches and elegant foliage.
• Long Blooming Period – Flowers throughout the year in warm climates, filling your garden with an enchanting scent.
• Ideal for Containers & Greenhouses – Can be grown in large pots for those in cooler regions.
• Pollinator-Friendly – Attracts bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.

How to Grow Cananga odorata from Seeds

Seed Sowing Instructions

• Best Time to Sow: Spring to early summer
• Pre-Treatment:
  • Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the outer shell and improve germination.
• Sowing Method:
  • Use rich, well-draining potting mix in seed trays or pots.
  • Plant seeds ½ inch deep and lightly cover with soil.
• Germination Conditions:
  • Soil Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
  • Germination Time: 4-6 weeks (sometimes longer in cooler conditions)
  • Maintain high humidity and keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Keep soil moist but well-drained, especially during early growth.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced tropical plant fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
• Pruning: Trim to maintain desired height and shape, especially for container-grown trees.
• Temperature Needs: Prefers warm, humid conditions (hardy in USDA zones 10-12).
• Pest & Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to pests, but monitor for scale insects and aphids in greenhouse settings.

Companion Planting Suggestions

• Complements Jasmine, Gardenia, and Plumeria for a fragrant tropical oasis.
• Pairs well with Palms, Bananas, and Hibiscus in warm landscapes.
• Grows beautifully alongside Lavender and Lemongrass for a garden rich in aromatics.

Experience the Enchanting Beauty of Ylang-Ylang

With its unforgettable fragrance, stunning flowers, and easy-to-grow nature, Cananga odorata is a perfect addition to any tropical or indoor garden. Whether you plant it outdoors in warm climates or grow it as a container plant, this luxurious tree will reward you with its elegant beauty and mesmerizing scent for years to come.