Lavender vs Lavandin: What's the Difference?
Drive through Provence in July and you will see endless purple rows. Many people call them all “lavender”, but there are actually two main plants grown there: true lavender and lavandin. They look alike, yet they smell different and are used for different things.
True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
True lavender, sometimes called fine lavender, is the original wild species of the Provence mountains. It grows best at altitude, on the dry, sunny slopes of Haute-Provence. The plants are small, with one flower spike per stem, and they give relatively little oil.
Its scent is soft, sweet and floral, with a gentle herbal note. This is the lavender traditionally prized by perfumers.
Lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia)
Lavandin is a natural hybrid of true lavender and spike lavender. It grows on lower ground, such as the famous Valensole plateau, and forms large, rounded bushes with several flower spikes per stem.
It produces far more oil than true lavender, so it is widely used in soaps, detergents and home fragrances. Its scent is stronger, sharper and more camphor-like.
At a glance
- Scent: true lavender is soft and floral; lavandin is sharper and more camphor-like.
- Where it grows: true lavender at altitude; lavandin on lower plains and plateaus.
- Plant: true lavender is smaller with one spike per stem; lavandin is larger with several.
- Typical uses: true lavender in fine fragrance and body care; lavandin in soaps, cleaning and home products.
How to tell them apart on a label
Look for the Latin name. Lavandula angustifolia (sometimes written Lavandula officinalis) is true lavender. Lavandula × intermedia, or “lavandin”, is the hybrid. A bottle that only says “lavender scent” may contain neither.
Which is better?
Neither: they are simply different. True lavender suits soft, floral moments; lavandin is bolder and fresher. It all depends on what you enjoy.
Curious about what is in our bottles? Come and smell them at our stand on Earlham Street in Covent Garden, or discover our Lavender Essential Oil online. We are always happy to talk lavender.