On the Valensole plateau, our family has grown lavender since 1932, organically since 2002. True lavender is the “real” lavender: the one used by perfumers, in herbal teas and in our grandmothers’ wardrobe sachets. Here is everything you need to know about it, from lavender growers.
True lavender, fine lavender, English lavender: what is its Latin name?
These names refer to the same plant: Lavandula angustifolia, literally “narrow-leaved lavender”. It is also called fine lavender or English lavender. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, like thyme, sage and rosemary.
Its name comes from the Latin lavare, “to wash”: the Romans already used it to scent their baths. In the 18th century, the naturalist Carl Linnaeus gave it its scientific name.
Don’t confuse it with lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia), a natural hybrid between the two great families of lavender: true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia). All about it: lavandin, origin and varieties.
How to recognise true lavender
| True lavender | Lavandin | |
|---|---|---|
| Latin name | Lavandula angustifolia | Lavandula × intermedia |
| Size | Small bushes | Large round bushes |
| Flower spikes | One short, tousled spike per stem | Long, branched spikes |
| Colour | Lighter blue-violet | Deeper violet |
| Altitude | From around 500 m | From 200 m |
| Scent | Soft, floral, delicate | Strong, fresh, camphorous |
| Propagation | By seed | By cuttings (sterile plant) |
Test yourself: lavender or lavandin?
True lavender on the Valensole plateau
True lavender loves altitude, light and the dry, stony soils of Haute-Provence. It grows from around 500 metres. On the Valensole plateau, we grow it alongside lavandin.
It blooms from late June to mid-July, followed by the harvest, just before full bloom, when the flowers are most fragrant.
Traditional distillation and yield
We distil our lavender the traditional way, as for the past century: the flowers dry in the sun of the plateau, then are distilled whole, without being shredded. Steam passes through the flowers and carries the essential oil, which then separates from the floral water: the hydrosol.
Our yield is around 40 kg of essential oil per hectare. That is less than in conventional farming, and it is a choice: organic farming and traditional distillation produce less, but give a finer, rounder essential oil, truer to the plant. It is also why true lavender is more precious than lavandin, which yields far more per hectare.
How to use true lavender
For relaxation and sleep
Its soft scent makes it the evening lavender: a few drops of lavender essential oil in a bedroom diffuser, or a roll-on on the wrists. Our tips: lavender for a good night’s sleep.
For the skin
Lavender hydrosol makes a fresh mist for face and body. Lavender macerate is a ready-to-use vegetable oil for skin care. And our true lavender soap gently scents your daily routine.
In infusions and cooking
Its food-grade flowers make a lovely infusion or scent desserts, creams and biscuits, used sparingly. The recipe: lavender infusion.
For hair
As a rinse or a few drops in your shampoo: lavender and hair.
The evening ritual in one box: our true lavender Sleep gift box.
True lavender or lavandin: which to choose?
- True lavender for relaxation, sleep, skin, infusions and cooking.
- Lavandin for the home, laundry and cleaning: how to use lavandin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between true lavender and fine lavender?
None: they are two names for the same plant, Lavandula angustifolia, also called English lavender.
Can you eat true lavender?
Its flowers, yes, if they are food grade, in infusions or cooking. The essential oil, however, must never be swallowed.
Why is true lavender essential oil more expensive than lavandin?
Because a hectare of true lavender produces much less essential oil, especially in organic farming with traditional distillation: around 40 kg per hectare on our farm.
When does lavender bloom in Valensole?
From late June to mid-July. Our visit ideas: discovering the Valensole plateau.
More questions? See our FAQ.
Precautions for use
Never swallow essential oil. Always dilute before applying to the skin. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or young children. Do a patch test in the crook of the elbow before first use. Keep out of reach of children.
