Lavender vs. Lavendin: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve purchased essential oils or skincare products, you might have seen the term “lavendin” instead of “lavender.” These products boast similar scents and label imagery, but it leads to an important question: what is lavendin?

Contrary to popular belief, lavendin isn’t a fake type of lavender made up for the cosmetic industry. It’s a special type of lavender hybrid.

Let’s explore the differences between lavender and lavendin, and how you can grow each plant.

Comparing Lavender vs. Lavendin:

Lavender vs. Lavendin: Key Differences

The differences between true lavender and lavendin are subtle. True lavender (English lavender) is a naturally occurring species. Lavendin is naturally occurring, but it’s a hybrid of two different lavender species.

There are also subtle differences in growth and coloration. Lavender tends to have soft purple blooms and vibrant stems where lavendin has rich blue-purple blooms and silvery green stems.

Lavender has a sweet, floral aroma. Lavendin has an undertone of camphor, which is quite strong in some cultivars. Lavendin also produces a higher yield when used for essential oils and derivatives, which means a higher production value with lower costs.

Lavender vs. Lavendin: Classification

There are several species of lavender in the Lavandula family. Many call English lavender “true lavender,” as they consider it the original species. True lavender is classified as Lavandula angustifolia, meaning “narrow-leaf lavender.”

Lavendin is classified as Lavandula x intermedia, as it’s a hybrid between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia (spike lavender). The name roughly translates to “lavender across multiple channels,” indicating its two unique species. There are several Lavandula x intermedia, the most popular of which is Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’ for its high level of naturally-occurring camphor. Lavendin is also called Lavandula hybrida or “lavender hybrid” and “lavandin” which appears to be a regional spelling.

Lavender vs. Lavendin: Origin

Despite its name, English lavender is not from England. It’s from the Mediterranean region of Europe, thriving on the warm temperatures, consistent humidity levels, and frequent sunlight.

Lavender farmer Pierre Grosso discovered lavandin in France during the 1970s. At the time, France was struggling with a mycoplasma infection that still impacts France’s lavender production today. Grosso’s fields, like many farmers, were largely wiped out. He discovered a few living plants which weren’t immediately recognizable and took cuttings back for study. This was the first recorded case of Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso.’ Within a few years, many French lavender farmers switched to this hybrid.

Lavender vs. Lavendin: Description

Lavender and lavendin are very similar, with a few subtle differences. English lavender has blue-green stems ending in flower spikes with soft purple blooms in a stacked, cylindrical growth pattern. Lavender typically grows two to three feet tall, with stalks measuring 12-16 inches long, though they can grow larger if left unharvested in ideal conditions. True lavender emits a sweet, floral aroma.

Lavendin has silver-green stems ending in flower spikes with blue-purple blooms. The blooms taper towards the top, forming a spike similar to the Lavandula latifolia. Lavendin grows up to two feet tall and three feet wide when mature. It emits a sweet, herbaceous aroma with notes of camphor — which is stronger in some cultivars than others.

Lavender vs. Lavendin: Uses

LPeople often use lavender in aromatherapy to reduce stress and create a calm feeling. Many also grow lavender as an ornamental flower in gardens or dry it for indoor decor. Bakers sometimes add lavender to cakes and cookies, and mixologists include it in cocktails. It complements vanilla and lemon flavors well. Researchers conduct studies annually to explore lavender’s potential in treating various ailments, and while the findings show promise, they need to do more research.

Lavendin’s primary use is essential oil production thanks to its hardy nature and high yield. As it grows in a wider range of zones than lavender, it’s also easier to harvest.

Lavender vs. Lavendin: Growth Tips

Lavender is notoriously difficult to grow from seed, as the new plants rarely show characteristics of the parent plant. We recommend propagating and rooting a cutting from an established plant. Grow transplants in full sunlight in well-draining soil in USDA Zones 5-8. Water regularly until the plant’s complete establishment, ensuring proper drainage to prevent root rot.

Lavendin is a sterile hybrid, so you cannot grow it from seed. Take a cutting from an established plant or purchase a transplant for your garden. Grow the transplant in full sunlight in well-draining soil in USDA Zones 5-9. This hardy hybrid is drought- and pollution-tolerant, ideal for hot climates and urban gardens. Water frequently until established, ensuring proper drainage to prevent root rot.

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