This species grows at altitudes between 600 and 1,400 meters and is known for its fine fragrance and medicinal properties. True lavender has small flowers and each sprig bears one inflorescence.

Characteristics:

• Also known as "fine lavender" or "tall lavender."
• Grows at altitudes between 600 and 1,400 meters in Provence, where climatic conditions are ideal.
• Small in size, with narrow leaves and compact inflorescences. Each stalk bears only one inflorescence.
• The scent is subtle, sweet and considered the most refined of all lavenders.

Applications:

• Used in high-quality perfumes and essential oils.
• Known for its soothing, antibacterial and healing properties.
• Traditionally used in aromatherapy and skin care products.

Cultivation:

• The yield is relatively low, making it an exclusive variety.
• Harvested by hand in July and early August.

This variety grows at lower altitudes and has broader leaves. Spike lavender is less commonly grown in Provence but is still relatively common….

Characteristics:

• Grows at lower altitudes (below 600 meters) and in warmer areas.
• Has broader leaves and a larger, less dense inflorescence compared to true lavender.
• The smell is stronger, but less refined; often a camphor-like odor is observed.

Applications:

• Used mainly for industrial purposes, such as cleaning products and insect repellents.
• Essential oil of spike lavender has medicinal properties, such as expectorant and anti-inflammatory.

Cultivation:

• Easier to grow and harvest than true lavender.
• Grows well in dry, rocky soils.

This is a hybrid of true lavender and spike lavender. Lavandin can be recognized by the fact that each sprig has three inflorescences, and the plant and flowers are larger than those of true lavender. Because of its higher yield, lavandin is often used in essential oils and other lavender products.

Characteristics:

• This is a hybrid variety created by crossing true lavender and spike lavender.
• Grows at medium elevations (200-800 meters).
• Larger and more robust plant with long, sturdy stems. Each sprig has three inflorescences instead of one.
• The scent is stronger and less complex than that of true lavender.

Applications:

• Lavandin is mainly used for mass production of fragrance products such as soaps, candles and household sprays.
• Also suitable for essential oil, although the quality is lower than that of true lavender.

Cultivation:

• Much higher yield than true lavender, making it economically advantageous.
• Mechanical harvesting is possible due to the uniform size of the plants.

Want to look for the differences yourself? We have a new cycling vacation in Provence starting in 2025. There you will definitely encounter these species.