Lavandin fields in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

This area has ideal farming conditions for lavender cultivation. Two species, Common and Broad-leaved Lavender, produce a robust sterile hybrid - Lavandin.

It has several flowering spikes per stem. By carefully selecting cuttings this plant now supports a substantial industry producing essential oil and various products from the dried seed capsules ( usually referred to as flowers ). The chemical make-up of the oil is different to true lavender - having a greater proportion of camphor and is considered to be inferior. While it is not used in perfume its high productivity makes it a more commercially viable plant to farm for scenting commercial products like soap and washing powder. The yield of 1 litre of oil per 50 to 250 kilos of cuttings is up to 7 time greater than common lavender.