Posted on

Provence

 

Provence Bush
Provence Bush

Lavandula x-intermedia is a hybrid cross between Lav. Angustifolia and Lav. Latifolia. The Lavandula Angustifolias tend to have a high quality but low yielding oil, whereas the Lavandula Latifolias have a poor quality but high yielding oil. So there are quite a lot of hybrid crosses of various varieties of these two lavandulas and Provence is one such cross.

Provence is not typically found in that French province, rather, it is a cultivar that was hybridized in Canada. Nevertheless, it has found its way throughout North America, the United Kingdom, and other countries.

It has a sweeter, less camphorous scent compared to most of the other x-intermedia hybrids. The oil is also sweeter, but it does not have a larger yield than the angustifolias, which puts it at a disadvantage compared to other x-intermedias. Therefore, many growers don’t distill Provence, they tend to use it for both crafting and culinary applications.

At Lavender Wind we use it for all three, and we do distill it. The Provence Essential Oil is very nice. Our Culinary Lavender is a blend of Provence and Folgate.

Provence Flower
Provence Flower

Provence is susceptible to root rot due to overly wet conditions. The flowers dry well and the bud is easily taken off the stem. Too easily, in fact, and it is well known to be useless as a dried flower because the blossoms shatter off the stem once they are dried.

Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Description: Light lavender
Flower: Showy, Fragrant
Leaf: Colorful, Fragrant