Lavandin
(Lavandin abrialis)
Lavandin
flower head
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Soapmakers love lavandin oil, and it is grown as a major commercial crop throughout Europe, though its origins are in France. Lavandin is an hybrid -- a cross between Lavender officianalis and Lavender aspic or spike lavender. This cross-breeding provides the plant with the stamina needed to grow abundantly at lower elevations.
Most of the gorgeous deep blue and purple flowers seen in travel photos of the French countryside and attributed to growing lavender in France -- is actually lavandin. Lavender grows well only at elevations of 1800 feet or greater. The heartier lavandin can grow at 1000 feet elevation and upwards. Snowdrift Farm imports our lavandin oil directly from the grower, near Grasse (France).
So, what's the difference for you, the handcrafter? For starters, there are structural differences between the plants. Lavandin produces a 3-pronged flower-head, while true lavender gives a single "spike". Scent-wise, the lavandin contains far more camphor, making it a "louder", far less subtle note than true lavender. We prefer true lavender, such as Bulgarian lavender in perfumes, but do not discount lavandin when it comes to soaps and body care products. Lavandin has the capability of sticking around longer in soaps and lotions because of its chemical composition, making it the perfect oil for these applications. For more information about Lavandin, we recommend Julia Lawless', "The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils."
Lavandin blends well with everything, and stands alone very well, too. Recommended use rate is 3% in both leave-on and rinse-off products.
Click here for soap recipes containing lavandin.
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