What is or was "potpourri"?

Potpourri is a mixture of dried, naturally fragrant plant materials used to provide a gentle natural scent, commonly in residential settings. The word "potpourri" came into English from the French language. The French word “pot” means essentially the same as in English; “pourri” means "rotten." The name arose from the way it was traditionally made.

Potpourri has been used in rooms since ancient times, in a variety of ways, including just scattering it on the floor. In 17th-century France, fresh herbs and flowers would be gathered, beginning in spring, and continuing throughout the summer. The herbs were left for a few days to become limp, then layered with coarse sea salt. The ageing mixture was stirred occasionally as layers were added to it. Often the mixture would ferment or become mouldy as the summer went by. In autumn, spices would be added to the unsightly grey mix until a pleasant fragrance was achieved. Then, scent-preserving fixatives were added. The finished potpourri was set out in special pots with perforated lids to perfume rooms (see picture) or in a decorative bowl.

Many plant species are used in potpourri including algae, fungi, and lichen. Sometimes, items that do not originate from plants are mixed into the potpourri to give it bulk and to make it more aesthetically pleasing. It is possible to spray scents on to it, however, a fixative is needed so that the scent is absorbed for slow release; orris root is often used for this purpose.