Lavender Hybrids
When two plants cross pollinate the results are hybrid plants. The hybrids of Lavender plants are called Lavandins.
The two main species Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia were crossed to create a huge number of cultivars. Most of the resulting plants that grew from the seeds were sterile mules unable to reproduce themselves. This means their seeds were sterile (that is if they produced any seeds at all.)
These created hybrids are referred to Lavandins or Lavandula x intermedias.
Many plant variations were bred during the 18th and 19th centuries and a great number of them were allowed to die out over the years since. The only means by which to reproduce these hybrids or produce these plants is by taking cuttings. Learn how to take Lavender cuttings to start new plants.
Lavendula hybrida var. Reverchon was one hybrid produced in France. This Lavendula hybrid was used a great deal in the manufacturing of soap due to the high amount of esters contained in its oil.
Other Lavender hybrids which we still have today are Provence, Grosso, White Grosso, Hidcote Giant, Grappenhall, Grey Hedge, Seal, Old English, Abriali, Fred Boutin, Cathy Blanc, Dilly Dilly, Gros Blue, Lullingstone ,Castle ,Silver Edge, White Spike, Dutch Mill and Alba (not to be confused with Lavandula angustifolia 'Alba'.) Woolly Lavender or Lavandula lanata boiss is another hybrid.
Essential oil from these Lavandins is frequently used to cut the higher grade oils. You may also get pure Lavandin oil. This essential oil of Lavandin is cheaper because the odor is more camphorous than that of the other oils. For this reason it is used for scenting cleaning products and soap where the the actual fragrance doesn't matter quite so much.
These hybrid plants are still beautiful and lovely in the garden. Due to the variety of form and color differences they provide highly desired visual interest in the planting.
The two main species Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia were crossed to create a huge number of cultivars. Most of the resulting plants that grew from the seeds were sterile mules unable to reproduce themselves. This means their seeds were sterile (that is if they produced any seeds at all.)
These created hybrids are referred to Lavandins or Lavandula x intermedias.
Many plant variations were bred during the 18th and 19th centuries and a great number of them were allowed to die out over the years since. The only means by which to reproduce these hybrids or produce these plants is by taking cuttings. Learn how to take Lavender cuttings to start new plants.
Lavendula hybrida var. Reverchon was one hybrid produced in France. This Lavendula hybrid was used a great deal in the manufacturing of soap due to the high amount of esters contained in its oil.
Other Lavender hybrids which we still have today are Provence, Grosso, White Grosso, Hidcote Giant, Grappenhall, Grey Hedge, Seal, Old English, Abriali, Fred Boutin, Cathy Blanc, Dilly Dilly, Gros Blue, Lullingstone ,Castle ,Silver Edge, White Spike, Dutch Mill and Alba (not to be confused with Lavandula angustifolia 'Alba'.) Woolly Lavender or Lavandula lanata boiss is another hybrid.
Essential oil from these Lavandins is frequently used to cut the higher grade oils. You may also get pure Lavandin oil. This essential oil of Lavandin is cheaper because the odor is more camphorous than that of the other oils. For this reason it is used for scenting cleaning products and soap where the the actual fragrance doesn't matter quite so much.
These hybrid plants are still beautiful and lovely in the garden. Due to the variety of form and color differences they provide highly desired visual interest in the planting.
