Making your own potpourri is an easy way to add fragrance to your home while creating something beautiful for decorative bowls, jars, and sachets. The best part is that you can customize the fragrance to match your preferences, whether you enjoy fruity, floral, fresh, or seasonal scents.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make scented potpourri using unscented or previously scented potpourri, fragrance oil, and orris root powder. I’m using Black Cherry Merlot fragrance oil, but you can choose any fragrance you love.
If you have older potpourri that has lost its fragrance, this is also a great way to bring it back to life instead of throwing it away.
This beginner-friendly project is perfect for anyone who enjoys making their own home fragrance products, creating handmade gifts, or finding ways to reuse decorative materials.
If you enjoy making your own home fragrance products, you might also like my tutorials on How to Make Reed Diffusers, DIY Room Spray and Fabric Refresher, and How to Make Linen Spray.
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Ingredients and Supplies for Homemade Potpourri
You only need a few supplies to make scented potpourri. The most important ingredients are your dried potpourri materials, fragrance oil, and a fixative to help retain the fragrance.
- Unscented potpourri or potpourri with faded scent: You can purchase ready-made dried potpourri or reuse an older mixture that has lost its fragrance.
- Orris root powder: A traditional potpourri fixative that helps hold fragrance.
- Fragrance oil: Choose a fragrance oil suitable for dry home fragrance applications. I’m using Black Cherry Merlot fragrance oil.
- Rubber gloves: Fragrance oils are concentrated and can irritate skin, so gloves are important when handling them.
- Mixing bowl and spoon: Use equipment that you don’t plan to use for food preparation.
- Airtight storage container: Helpful for allowing the fragrance to develop and keeping your finished potpourri fresh.
What Kind of Potpourri Can You Use?
You don’t have to start with an expensive potpourri mixture. You can use unscented decorative potpourri purchased from a store or reuse an older mixture that no longer smells as strong.
If you want to create your own decorative mixture from scratch, you can combine dried ingredients such as:
- Dried rose petals
- Dried lavender buds
- Dried orange slices
- Dried citrus peels
- Cinnamon sticks
- Dried flower petals
- Dried leaves and other decorative botanicals
These ingredients give you different colors, shapes, and textures to work with. Make sure everything is completely dry before adding fragrance oil. Moisture can cause problems during storage.
For this particular tutorial, I’m starting with ready-made potpourri and showing you how to add fragrance to it.
Why Use Orris Root Powder in Potpourri?
Orris root powder is a traditional ingredient in potpourri making. It comes from the dried and powdered rhizomes of certain iris plants and has been used for generations as a fragrance fixative.
But what does a fixative actually do?
Fragrance oils contain aromatic components that gradually evaporate into the air. A fixative helps retain fragrance within the potpourri materials and can slow down how quickly the scent fades.
Orris root powder can absorb fragrance oil and help distribute it throughout the mixture.
You don’t have to use orris root powder to make potpourri, but it is a traditional addition when you’re looking to create a longer-lasting scented mixture.
Other traditional fixatives include benzoin resin and certain aromatic woods, although these are not direct one-to-one substitutes.
How to Choose a Fragrance for Potpourri
One of the best things about making your own potpourri is being able to choose the fragrance.
You can coordinate the scent with the season, the room where you plan to display it, or simply your personal preferences.
Here are a few fragrance ideas:
- Fruity: Black Cherry Merlot, apple, cranberry, or citrus.
- Floral: Rose, lavender, jasmine, or lilac.
- Fresh: Clean cotton, eucalyptus, or fresh linen.
- Warm and cozy: Vanilla, cinnamon, amber, or sandalwood.
- Seasonal: Pumpkin spice, peppermint, evergreen, or holiday-inspired fragrances.
For this project, I’m using Black Cherry Merlot because I love its rich, fruity scent.
Can You Use Essential Oils Instead of Fragrance Oils?
Yes, essential oils can also be used to scent dried potpourri. However, they have different scent characteristics and evaporation rates than fragrance oils.
Fragrance oils are formulated to create specific scent profiles, while essential oils are extracted from aromatic plant materials.
I chose fragrance oil for this project because I wanted the particular Black Cherry Merlot fragrance. Whichever you choose, check the supplier’s recommendations for appropriate use and handling. Some essential oils can also be harmful to pets.
How to Make Scented Potpourri Step by Step
This process is simple, even if you’ve never made your own home fragrance products before.
Step 1: Put on Your Gloves
Before working with fragrance oil, put on a pair of rubber or nitrile gloves.
Fragrance oils are concentrated and can cause skin irritation or sensitization. Avoid getting the oil directly on your skin, and work in a well-ventilated area.
It’s also a good idea to protect your work surface in case any fragrance oil spills.
Step 2: Add Fragrance Oil to Your Potpourri
Place your dried potpourri in a mixing bowl.
Add a small amount of fragrance oil and gently work it throughout the mixture. Make sure the fragrance is distributed across the different pieces.
I’m using Black Cherry Merlot, which gives the finished potpourri a rich, fruity fragrance. You can substitute your favorite fragrance oil to create something completely different.
Helpful tip: Start with a small amount of fragrance oil. You don’t want to saturate the potpourri or leave excess oil sitting at the bottom of your bowl. You can always add a little more if needed. Follow your fragrance supplier’s recommendations for appropriate usage.
Step 3: Add Orris Root Powder
Once you’ve distributed the fragrance oil throughout the potpourri, it’s time to add the orris root powder.
Sprinkle the powder over the mixture and gently toss everything together. You want it distributed throughout the potpourri rather than concentrated in one spot.
The orris root powder helps retain the fragrance and works as a traditional fixative.
Step 4: Allow the Fragrance to Develop
Transfer your scented potpourri to an airtight container and allow it to rest for at least 24 hours.
This resting period gives the fragrance time to distribute throughout the mixture. Keep the container sealed while the scent develops.
After 24 hours, open the container and check the fragrance. If you’d like a stronger scent, you can add a little more fragrance oil, mix again, and allow it to rest.
Step 5: Display Your Homemade Potpourri
Once you’re happy with the fragrance, transfer your finished potpourri to a decorative bowl, glass jar, or sachet.
Potpourri is a lovely addition to living rooms, bedrooms, entryways, and other spaces where you’d like a subtle fragrance.
Keep it away from children and pets, and avoid placing it near candles, fireplaces, or other heat sources.
Tips for Making Potpourri Last Longer
One of the most common questions about homemade potpourri is how to keep it smelling good for as long as possible.
Here are a few things that can help:
- Don’t use too much fragrance oil: Adding excessive oil doesn’t necessarily make the fragrance last longer. It can leave the potpourri greasy and cause pieces to stick together.
- Use a fixative: Orris root powder is a traditional choice for helping retain fragrance.
- Store it properly: Keep unused potpourri in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Refresh the fragrance when needed: If the scent begins to fade, you can add a small amount of fragrance oil, mix, and allow it to rest again.
- Choose good-quality dried materials: Potpourri should be completely dry before you add fragrance oil.
- Keep it away from moisture: Bathrooms and other humid spaces may not be the best places to display your potpourri.
Common Potpourri Problems and How to Fix Them
If you’re making potpourri for the first time, you might run into a few small problems. Here are some things to watch for.
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Potpourri smells too weak | Add a small amount of fragrance oil and allow it to rest again. |
| Potpourri feels oily | You may have added too much fragrance oil. Avoid adding more until the excess is addressed. |
| Fragrance fades quickly | Store unused potpourri in an airtight container and refresh when needed. |
| Potpourri pieces stick together | Gently separate the pieces and avoid adding excessive fragrance oil. |
| Potpourri develops an unusual smell | Discard it if you suspect moisture, mold, or deterioration. |
Potpourri Safety and Storage
Because this project uses concentrated fragrance oils and dried botanicals, there are a few precautions worth following.
- Wear gloves when handling fragrance oils.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Follow the fragrance manufacturer’s usage and safety recommendations.
- Keep finished potpourri away from children and pets.
- Avoid placing potpourri directly on furniture or finished surfaces where fragrance oil could cause damage.
- Keep it away from flames, candles, fireplaces, and other heat sources.
- Store unused potpourri in a sealed container in a cool, dry location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Potpourri
How long does homemade potpourri last?
The decorative materials can last for months or even longer when kept dry and stored properly. The fragrance, however, will gradually fade. How long it lasts depends on the fragrance oil, the materials used, and where you display it.
You can refresh the scent when needed rather than replacing the entire mixture.
Can I use any fragrance oil to make potpourri?
You can experiment with different fragrance oils, but check the supplier’s recommendations to make sure the fragrance is appropriate for potpourri or dry home fragrance applications. Always follow the recommended usage and safety guidelines.
Do I have to use orris root powder?
No. Orris root powder is a traditional fixative, but you can make scented potpourri without it. It is included in this recipe to help retain the fragrance.
Can I refresh store-bought potpourri?
Absolutely! If you have store-bought potpourri that has lost its scent, you can reuse it by adding fragrance oil and orris root powder.
Just make sure the materials are still clean, dry, and free from mold before using them.
Can I make potpourri completely from scratch?
Yes! You can create your own decorative mixture using dried flowers, citrus slices, herbs, spices, and other dried botanicals.
Once you’ve created your mixture, you can follow the same fragrance and fixative steps in this tutorial.
What is the best place to display potpourri?
Decorative bowls, glass containers, and small baskets are popular choices. Place your potpourri somewhere with gentle air circulation, but avoid direct sunlight, excessive heat, and moisture.
Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Can I use essential oils instead of fragrance oils?
Yes, but the scent may behave differently. Essential oils have different evaporation rates and safety considerations. Make sure your chosen essential oil is suitable for the intended application and follow its safety recommendations.
Why does my potpourri lose its fragrance?
Fragrance gradually evaporates over time, especially when potpourri is exposed to air, heat, or sunlight. Storing unused potpourri in an airtight container can help preserve its fragrance. You can also refresh it when the scent becomes weaker.
More DIY Home Fragrance Projects
If you enjoy making your own potpourri, there are plenty of other ways to bring your favorite fragrances into your home. Here are a few more DIY projects you might enjoy:
- DIY Reed Diffuser – Make your own reed diffuser using fragrance oil and diffuser base.
- DIY Room Spray and Fabric Refresher – Create a simple room spray to freshen up your space.
- How to Make Linen Spray – Make a scented spray for refreshing sheets, blankets, and fabrics.
- DIY Carpet Deodorizer – Make a simple carpet deodorizer for your home.
Final Thoughts
Making your own potpourri is a simple way to customize the fragrance in your home without spending a lot of money. You can start with unscented potpourri, reuse an older mixture, or create your own decorative blend using dried flowers, citrus, and other botanicals.
I used Black Cherry Merlot fragrance oil for this project, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to choosing your favorite scents.
Once you understand how fragrance oil and fixatives work together, you can experiment with different combinations and create potpourri that looks and smells exactly the way you want.