All About English Lavender

There are many different species of lavender in the world, but perhaps the truest of the “true” (Lavandula angustifolia) is English Lavender.

The genus, angustifolia, grows all over the world, and most experts will tell you that it is the lavender of choice, when compared to the other species. This is because, angustifolia, when distilled, produces an oil that contains less than 1% camphor. By contrast, other species, such as latifolia (Spikenard) and x intermedia (which is actually a lavandin) contain up to 8% camphor.

At Snowdrift Farm, we sell Bulgarian Lavender, French Lavender and a lavender absolute, which comes from France, as well, and these are all of the angustifolia species. What sets the English Lavender apart from the others of its kind is the sweet top note than beckons forth from its gorgeous aroma. While the other angustifolias are true and sweet, in my mind, none are truer and sweeter than the English.

So, why is it that English Lavender is different? It’s the growing conditions. We purchase our English Lavender from a small cooperative of growers who farm in the “fens” or lowlands of northern England. The soil and temperatures are ideal for the crop, and the farmers are vigilant about tending their plants, picking and distilling at only the right moment.

These growers and distillers do not sell large amounts of their oils, and we have to make an annual request for our allotment. If the crops come in as hoped, then we receive our oil and can market it here to you. There is a great demand for this particular oil from these growers, which is why we sell only a limited quantity.

Of course you can add English Lavender to your soaps, but because it is difficult to come by, we recommend using it neat, on the temples or pulse points, or in perfume blends, lotions and creams. It blends wells with other florals, green scents (herbs), citruses and woody notes.

Trina Wallace, March 20, 2005