Penhaligon's 1890 EDT

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English Fern

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Penhaligon's English Fern is an Eau de Toilette launched in 1890. English Fern opens with Lavender and Geranium, settles into a heart of Clove, and dries down to a base of Sandalwood, Patchouli, and Oakmoss. Penhaligon's's English Fern carries a Statement verdict, a spicy-led wear.

This isn't just a perfume, it's a historical artefact. English Fern is a classic fougère that transports you to a Victorian barbershop - whether you want to go there or not. Prepare for a full-on green, soapy, and somewhat medicinal journey, with plenty of divisive takes along the way.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Classic
  • Clean
  • Sophisticated
  • Fresh
  • Bold
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English Fern Eau de Toilette bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend
Topas listed
Lavender51%
Geranium49%
Heartas listed
Clove100%
Baseas listed
Oakmoss42%
Patchouli31%
Sandalwood28%

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer

A warm-weather pick - at its best in spring and summer.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Casual
Also Works:
Office Formal

Its sharp, bold opening and often strong performance (for some) make it a bit much for a formal office environment, but the clean and fresh dry-down is perfect for casual wear. It leans more mature and traditional, suiting formal occasions, but its slightly aggressive fougère character might not be universally appreciated on a date.

Ingredients and allergens

We don't have this fragrance's ingredient list yet.

About

Opens with a sharp, vibrant burst of aromatic lavender and minty geranium, cutting through like a bracing morning air. A warm spiced heart of clove emerges, adding a traditional barbershop depth, though some detect anise or even cardamom. The dry-down settles into a classic mossy, earthy base, with woody patchouli and sandalwood providing a clean, slightly powdery finish. It's unapologetically green and fresh, conjuring images of wet earth and wild ferns.

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Where to buy

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.