In the world of garden perennials, lavender of the Lamiaceae family with its 39 variations in species is a well-known plant; however the lesser known Lavandin has still little recognition. Yet, it is fast becoming a popular option for commercial development for many reasons.
How is Lavandin Produced?
When two plants cross pollinate hybrid plants are produced so Lavandin is created using the two main species of lavender Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia (spike lavender). Both of the plants used in the creation of Lavandin have a long history of medicinal use and this modern hybrid has different uses to the traditional uses of lavender, however the properties are very similar to their cross pollinating parents. Lavandin is said to originate from the mountainous regions of Southern France, where it is still grown, as well as all over Southern Europe and other countries such as USA.
Lavandin is grown extensively in Provence, France
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The Obvious Differences
When comparing the two together there are visual differences, the Lavandin is usually found as an ornamental garden plant, its silvery tones and fragrant flowers make a gentle sweeping border dotted with purple which merges well into any flower bed. It is suited to rocky soil and warm sunshine and the flowers are between 2 to 4 inches long at the end of slender squared stems. It can grow to heights of 3 feet and is drought tolerant and a hardy perennial and while true lavender requires an elevation of 1800 feet to grow well, the Lavandin varieties such as Grosso are easier to produce as a crop. Lavandin grows well at 1000 feet and unlike perennials in the shade, enjoys a sunny aspect mostly, and generally flowers later than the angustifolia.
Why is Lavandin Popular?
Lavandin has become a very attractive commercial plant up against true lavender because it produces three times as much oil as lavender which means that it has profitability when mass produced and is very often found in products such as soaps, lotions and hairsprays as well as potpourri and sachets. Its varied uses from oil burners to insect repellent and even in disinfectants, make this a very versatile hybrid and the bulk oil production is sometimes misread as a cheaper variety of oil, but it has a far more camphor and therefore creates a sharper and longer lasting scent. Very often it is used as a base fragrance, and synthetics are blended in to make it smell more like angustifolia oil. For these reasons it is not often used in culinary or some medicinal products. Both of them are however non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing to the skin mostly, although Lavandin having strong antiseptic qualities, has some concerns of it being used for treatment of burns, whereas lavender has an established record of being used safely as a healing herb.
Cut Lavandin Grosso
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Although not a substitute for the purer qualities of Lavender, it is no less a valid essence in the world of lavender products and its unique versatility makes it a hybrid which has a commanding future in the world of plant production.
