Lavender, with its iconic purple blooms and enchanting fragrance, is beloved worldwide. However, did you know that there are numerous varieties of lavender, each with unique characteristics? At Lavender Beach, we celebrate this diversity by incorporating different types of lavender into our products. Let's explore some of the most popular lavender varieties and what makes each one special.
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
English Lavender is perhaps the most well-known and widely used variety. Its sweet, floral scent is a staple in aromatherapy and personal care products. Known for its high oil content, English Lavender is perfect for essential oils, perfumes, and skincare. It's also highly versatile in culinary applications, adding a delicate flavor to both sweet and savory dishes.
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)
French Lavender is distinguished by its serrated leaves and unique, pineapple-shaped flower spikes. While it has a more camphoraceous aroma compared to English Lavender, it’s equally delightful. French Lavender is often used in crafting and potpourris due to its long-lasting fragrance. It also adds a touch of elegance to gardens with its striking appearance.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
Spanish Lavender is easily recognizable by its distinct “rabbit ears” – the bracts that rise above the flower spikes. This variety has a strong, piney scent with a hint of rosemary. Spanish Lavender is highly ornamental, making it a popular choice for landscaping. It’s also used in sachets and dried floral arrangements, bringing a rustic charm to any space.
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)
Lavandin is a hybrid between English and Portuguese Lavender (Lavandula latifolia). It combines the best qualities of both parents: the sweet scent of English Lavender and the robust, hardy nature of Portuguese Lavender. Lavandin produces more essential oil than other varieties, making it a favorite for commercial oil production. Its strong, clean fragrance is ideal for household cleaning products and industrial uses.
Portuguese Lavender (Lavandula latifolia)
Portuguese Lavender, also known as Spike Lavender, has a more robust and pungent aroma, with camphoraceous and eucalyptus notes. It’s often used in medicinal applications and for its essential oil, which is highly effective in treating respiratory issues and muscle pains. Portuguese Lavender's bold scent makes it a standout in aromatherapy blends and therapeutic balms.
Lavandula x allardii
Lavandula x allardii, also known as Allard's Lavender, is a lesser-known hybrid variety. It boasts large, fragrant flower spikes and silver-green foliage. This variety is prized for its ornamental value and its ability to thrive in warmer climates where other lavenders might struggle. Its fragrance is a delightful mix of sweet and herbal notes, making it a lovely addition to gardens and floral arrangements.
At Lavender Beach, we embrace the unique qualities of each lavender variety to create products that celebrate the full spectrum of this remarkable plant. Whether you're seeking the calming effects of English Lavender, the bold scent of Portuguese Lavender, or the ornamental beauty of Spanish Lavender, our handcrafted products bring the best of nature's purple treasure to you.
Discover the diverse world of lavender with us and find the perfect variety to enhance your life and well-being.