Jo Malone London Blooms limited edition collection

Jo Malone has just launched the limited edition London Blooms collection of three colognes. These are inspired by the combinations of plants that can be found in British Gardens, and have special limited edition bottles decorated with etched botanical paintings of the plants that inspired the scent. The presentation is exquisite; these would look beautiful on a dressing table (not in direct sunlight!) and there is no label on the back of the bottle so the presentation isn't spoiled.

Back of bottle

Unfortunately I didn't like the White Lilac & Rhubarb Cologne I was sent to try. The floral side is very pretty indeed (soft and powdery lilac and rose) but the bit that's meant to be the rhubarb didn't work for me; there was a little bitterness on the drydown that smells more of crushed rhubarb leaves than the fruit (rhubarb is sharp, but not bitter to my nose). I would also have liked more fruitiness overall. I did find that it lasted well throughout the day though (isn't that always the way with fragrances you don't love?) If you like florals with unexpected savoury notes, this is worth a sniff.

From Twitter conversations with like-minded fragrance friends (a few of whom have also been sent one of the London Blooms to try) I think Peony & Moss is the safest choice, especially if buying unsniffed. It's the one I'd have been most interested in from the notes.

Jo Malone have partnered with Harrods to do something special for Mothers Day this year. On 16th, 17th and 18th March, at Harrods the 100ml colognes can be gift wrapped in a box of fresh flowers for £115 (the 100ml colognes on their own are £72). 
I think the boxes full of flowers are beautiful in themselves, and a lovely way to buy fragrance for a special occasion.

Disclosure: PR sample