Please refer to our article on Potpourri to help you understand the need for fixatives when making your mixture.

Orris Root
Readily available and is the one that has been used with the greatest amount of success.

Gum Benzoin
In some old recipes this may be referred to as benjamin.

Calamus Powder
Sweet flag produces the root which is then ground and dried.

Coumarin
The leaves of this plant added to a potpourri will help to fix the scents of other flowers.

Sandalwood
Chips or powder will fix other scents. It will also add the smell of sandalwood itself.

NOTE: Old recipes may call for animal fixatives. Some animal fixatives are obtained through inhumane methods. The following plant alternatives are substitutes.

Civet - use Orris Root or Vetevier

Musk - use Moss Roses, Oil of Musk or Rose Oil, Aamberette Seeds or Angelica Root

Ambergris - use Sandalwood