Lavender is one of the most popular scents in perfumery. Not only is it a distinctive floral scent, unlike any other floral, it is powerful in evoking a calm, happy and relaxed mood.

Lavender is thought to have originated in the highlands of India, but today it grows all over the world in sunny, stony, well-drained soils. France is considered the centre of Lavender production, with more than 80,000 kilos of Lavender grown each year.

The main types of Lavender mainly grown for fragrance are Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula latifolia, or Lavandula stoechas, which smells more like rosemary.

Lavender has been used since Ancient times. The Romans were known to perfume their baths with Lavender oil. In Medieval times, Lavender was used to scent linen and clothing, and also in pot pourri and sachets.

One of the first Lavender fragrances was launched in the 1800s, ‘Fougere Royale’, and was made for men. For many years, this floral oil was considered to be more masculine, so very few feminine perfumes with Lavender were released.

Today Lavender is popular in both men and women’s fragrances.