Florabotanica

Florabotanica by Balenciaga (2012)

Few designer fragrances of the 2010s were as polarizing or as beloved as Florabotanica. Created by Olivier Polge in 2012, this one was built around an idea Nicolas Ghesquière (then Balenciaga’s creative director) and the perfumer worked out together: a futuristic botanical garden, with rose and carnation growing alongside mint and caladium leaf, plus a touch of cannabis-adjacent green accord that nobody saw coming.

People either loved it or hated it. The fans loved it intensely. Florabotanica was discontinued before Balenciaga’s September 2025 relaunch, and authentic bottles now sell for around €160 to €570 depending on size and condition on resale markets.

Our interpretation revisits the original 2012 formulation as a long-lasting Eau de Parfum, made in the EU.

Bottle size: 50ml · Concentration: Eau de Parfum (up to 40% perfume oil) · Made in EU

How It Smells

The first impression is rose, but immediately you notice something off, in the best way. Green leaves, mint, and what reviewers often describe as a cannabis-like accord (caladium leaf, technically) crash into the rose and give it edge. There is nothing sweet or polite about Florabotanica’s opening.

In the heart, carnation joins the rose, adding spice. Mint cools things down. By the dry-down, you reach amber, vetiver, and a slightly powdery base that pulls everything together. The composition is best described as a punk rose: floral but rebellious, feminine but unconventional.

Notes

Top: Mint, Caladium Leaf
Heart: Rose, Carnation
Base: Amber, Vetiver

How Our Version Compares

The signature of Florabotanica is the rose-mint-caladium contrast, and that is what our interpretation captures. The same green edge that made the original distinctive, the same spiced carnation heart, the same warm vetiver base. Built as Eau de Parfum at up to 40% concentration, lasting 7 to 9 hours on skin, longer on fabric.

Common Questions

Why was Florabotanica discontinued?

Balenciaga discontinued its entire original perfume catalogue before relaunching with a new collection in September 2025. Florabotanica was not included in the relaunch, leaving fans without an option except resale markets.

Does Florabotanica really smell like cannabis?

The caladium leaf note has a slightly green-grassy quality that some people identify as cannabis-adjacent. It is subtle, not literal, and it is what gives the fragrance its distinctive character.

Is Florabotanica strong?

Yes. It has good projection and excellent longevity. Not subtle, but never overwhelming.

How much does the original Florabotanica sell for now?

Authentic 100ml bottles typically sell between €160 and €570 on resale markets, with sealed bottles at the higher end. Counterfeits exist, so verifying authenticity is increasingly difficult.

Comparative Advertising Disclaimer: This product is inspired by and compared to Balenciaga’s Florabotanica, but is not identical and is not affiliated with Balenciaga or Kering. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Product names are used for reference only.