What does the word lavender mean?
The word "lavender" comes from the Latin lavare, meaning "to wash." This name is related to the plant's ancient use in baths for its disinfectant and purifying properties. Lavender is native to the Mediterranean basin and is now cultivated in many parts of the world for its aromatic and medicinal properties.
In the beginning…
Lavender cultivation dates back to ancient times, when the Romans used it to scent their baths. In the Middle Ages, lavender was used to repel insects and to perfume clothing and bedding. Over the centuries, it has become an iconic plant of Provence, where it has been cultivated since the 18th century. Lavender also played an important role during the First World War, where it was used to disinfect soldiers' wounds.
Lavender is a plant of the Lamiaceae family that grows wild in the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean basin. It is widely distributed in France, Spain, Italy, and the Balkans. Lavender is a plant that requires little water and is able to withstand high summer temperatures. It has therefore been cultivated for centuries in the hot, dry regions of southern Europe.
Lavender cultivation developed in the south of France from the 18th century, where it became an important component of the local economy. At that time, lavender was one of the most widely used raw materials by perfumers in Grasse, leading to a massive expansion of its cultivation in the surrounding area and the emergence of Provençal lavender. Today, lavender is cultivated in many parts of the world, including New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and South America. Lavender cultivation continues to be an important activity in many regions, where it helps maintain local jobs and preserve biodiversity.
Lavender cultivation
Lavender is primarily cultivated in Mediterranean regions, particularly in Provence (France), where it is emblematic. It is also grown in other countries such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Spain, Greece, and New Zealand, where the climatic and soil conditions allow for its cultivation.
Lavender planting is an activity that not only contributes to the local economy but also to environmental conservation. Lavender is a plant that attracts bees and other pollinators, making it an asset for biodiversity. Furthermore, the production of lavandin and lavender essential oil is an industry that continues to grow, due to the growing popularity of aromatherapy. This ever-increasing demand for natural products.
Lavender is a perennial plant that typically thrives in sunny climates with well-drained soil. After planting seeds or young plants, lavender grows into upright stems with narrow, silvery leaves. During the growing season, the plant produces beautiful, aromatic purple or blue flowers, attracting bees and releasing a soothing, distinctive fragrance.
Harvesting takes place in summer, usually between June and August, when lavender flowers are at their peak. Farmers must be meticulous when picking the flowers. They use specific tools such as scissors or lavender combs to preserve the quality of the plant. The flowers are then dried before being used in the production of perfumes, essential oils, and other lavender-derived products.
What did you know about lavender in perfumery?
The scent profile of lavender is delicate, floral and slightly powdery, evoking soft, green and slightly sweet notes reminiscent of the flower itself.
In perfumery, the processing and transformation of lavender are crucial steps in the production of perfumes and essential oils. The dried flowers are steam distilled to extract the essential oil, which is then filtered and purified to remove impurities. Perfume is often created by blending lavender essential oil with other essential oils or solvents. The final products are then bottled and labeled for sale.
In perfumery, lavender is part of the fougère family. Its olfactory accords with lavender are often combined with notes of citrus, wood, and spice to create a complex and balanced fragrance. Lavender is often used as a top note, meaning it is the first scent perceived when applying perfume. It can be combined with notes of bergamot, lemon, or orange to create a fresh and energizing scent.
Additionally, lavender can also be used as a middle note, paired with notes of rose, jasmine, or cedarwood to create a more intense and sensual scent. Lavender perfumes are often considered versatile and can be worn for any occasion, whether it's a workday or a romantic evening. It can also be found in various colognes and eaux de toilette!
The different species of lavender
There are several species of lavender, some of the best known of which are:
• Lavandula angustifolia (True Lavender): This is the most commonly grown and used lavender in perfumery. It has purple or blue flowers and gives off a sweet, soothing floral scent.
• Lavandula stoechas (Butterfly Lavender): Recognizable by its purple or pink bracts that resemble rabbit ears, this lavender has a powerful fragrance and spike-like flowers.
• Lavandula intermedia (Lavandin): Used in perfumery, this is a hybrid between true lavender and spike lavender. Lavandin is grown in large quantities for the production of essential oil and has a more camphorous and powerful scent than true lavender.
• Lavandula latifolia (Spike Lavender): This species of lavender is valued for its fresh, medicinal fragrance. It is also used for its therapeutic properties.
GOOD TO KNOW!
In addition to its soothing olfactory properties, lavender is also known for its many therapeutic benefits. Lavender essential oil is often used to relieve muscle and joint pain, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and soothe headaches and migraines. It is also used to treat insect bites and minor burns, thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Additionally, lavender is used in skin and hair care for its moisturizing and soothing properties. It is often used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and burns, as well as to nourish and moisturize hair.
Famous lavender perfumes
Looking for popular lavender fragrances and not sure where to start? Here's a list that might give you some ideas!
• Lavender Extrême by Tom Ford is an eau de parfum for men and women that combines a floral note of lavender with a base of musk and sandalwood, creating a bold, sensual and sophisticated fragrance that blends freshness and seduction.
• Lavande de Molinard combines lavender with notes of sage and vanilla, offering an elegant, comforting and harmonious composition, evoking a herbaceous and gourmet sweetness.
• Incense and Lavender by Serge Lutens combines lavender, pink berries, incense and rosemary for a captivating, meditative and mystical fragrance, with spicy and aromatic nuances.
• Eau de Cologne du Parfumeur by Guerlain is a refreshing and elegant fragrance that combines notes of lively citrus, aromatic lavender and subtle musk, offering a timeless and classic olfactory experience.
• L'Homme by Yves Saint Laurent is an iconic eau de toilette. Boldly, it uses lavender as the top note along with bergamot, ginger, and basil. Its distinctive bottle certainly played a role in its worldwide success.
Bon Parfumeur Lavender Perfumes
Among our collection of high perfumery, we offer you a selection of lavender perfumes made in France:
• Eau de Parfum 001 : A must-have that we all love for its comforting and always elegant softness. A trio of sparkling citrus fruits awakens this timeless cologne. Bergamot and lavender combine with the sweetness of orange blossom, and musky base notes provide staying power. Much more than just a fresh cologne, it clings to our skin.
• Eau de Parfum 101 : A queenly fragrance for the queen of flowers: sweet and fresh like a rose garden. The opening notes are green and spicy with cardamom. The heart is rose and sweet peas. Damask rose has been used in absolute and essence. In the base, musk and white cedar bring a powdery softness.
• Eau de parfum 702 : The scent of a Parisian barbershop! The first sparkling, lemony notes of elemi give way to incense. The woody-aromatic heart opens with a trio of lavender, cedar, and cashmere wood. The vanilla and musky base brings a rounded power to this creation.
• Diffuser 02 : It releases a blend of scents that combines the warm and aromatic notes of lavender and coriander seed, the sweet richness of honey and the earthy nuances of tobacco leaf.
Immerse yourself in a Provençal fragrance for women and men, evoking the very essence of this iconic region, creating a captivating landscape imbued with beauty that captivates the senses and evokes a feeling of tranquility.
