Lavander or Lavandin?
Written on 24 July 2023
The ultimate symbol of Provence, these rolling purple hills of flowers attract thousands of tourists from mid-June to mid-July, flocking to see the splendid natural spectacle of lavender season in France. You’ve certainly heard of the legendary Lavender Fields, but has anyone ever mentioned Lavandin ?
Funny enough, the vast crops of purple flowers on the Plateau of Valensole aren’t actually lavender, but it’s close cousin : « lavandula hybrida », otherwise known as lavandin.
However, there’s no reason to feel bamboozled or led astray by this surprising fact! Lavender and Lavandin are very similar, and both have much to offer. Below we’ve detailed some of the similarities and differences of these two plants to help you recognize and appreciate their unique properties.
Origin and cultivation:
Fine lavender, or true lavender (lavandula angustifolia) is a plant native to the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean basin. It can be grown from 800 meters of altitude and up and is used for its therapeutic and aromatic properties.
Lavandin (lavandula intermedia or hybrida) is a natural hybrid resulting from a cross between true lavender and aspic lavender (lavandula latifolia). It was developed to improve production of essential oils and can be grown up until 800 meters of altitude.
The rolling hills of French Provence are perfect for the cultivation of these two flowers.
Lavandula intermédia
Lavandula angustifolia
Botanical characteristics:
True lavender is a perennial, measuring between 30 and 60 centimeters of height. It can be distinguished by its delicate purple flowers and straight gray green leaves. Lavandin is a bigger plant, which can reach up to a meter of height. Its flowers are larger and more visible than true lavender. In addition, true lavender only has one branch, while lavandin has three.
Perfume and chemical composition:
True lavander has a soft, floral, and calming fragrance. The essential oil is rich in esters, which gives in calming and relaxing properties. Lavandin has a much more powerful fragrance. It’s essential oil has a higher quantity of camphor and ketones, which gives it antiseptic and expectorant properties.
Extraction method:
For both lavander and lavandin, essential oil is captured through the process of distillation.
Use and benefits:
True lavander is used for its relaxing properties and it’s relaxing effect on the nervous system. It is often used in aromatherapy for reducing stress, insomnia, and headaches. Lavandin, however, is more frequently used in house cleaning products and in perfumes because it is a stronger and more durable scent. It is also fantastic for reducing muscle and joint pain.
Both can be used for protection against mosquitos and fleas, however lavandin is a better choice for this usage as it is less expensive.
Dried lavandin flowers are great for perfuming wardrobes and drawers, while also effectively protecting against mites.
Conservation and lifespan:
True lavender has a longer lifespan than lavandin because of its higher concentration of esters. It’s perfume remains well conserved in cosmetic products and mixes of essential oils. Lavandin is often used for its disinfectant and anti-mosquito and insect properties…
Both of these flowers have become an irreplaceable part of our daily lives.
If you love the delicate and airy fragrance of true lavender, you will find it in our Eau de Cologne Lavande as well as in the home fragrance available as a candle, spray, or diffuser.
If you would like a more complex fragrance with a hint of lavender, we invite you to discover our masculine fragrances « 1747 », « Mezzanotte » or the latest « Quai des Brumes ».
Lavender is not historically characteristic of feminine fragrances, however it can be found within our « Solenzara » with heart notes emblematic of the region such as jasmine and orange blossom mixed with just a hint of lavender.
For household use, check out our essence of lavandin, useful in all seasons and available it two generous formats (60ml or 100ml): whether it’s to keep away mites, fleas, and mosquitos, to perfume your armoires and laundry, or to clean the house by adding it to your cleaning products, lavandin essence is an essential component of any household.
Want to try your hand at incorporating lavander into your own perfume? Come discover our fragrance atelier at the Studio des Fragrances, and use as a head note « lavande des Alpes » or « lavande sauvage » to compose a personalized olfactive souvenir of your travels in France.
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