Drying lavandin (lavandula x intermedia)

In Provence, south east France, two varieties of lavender, English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) from the hills and spike lavender (Lavandula Latifolia) from the coast, cross ranges and produce a sterile hybrid Lavandin. The hybrid is a more robust plant with several flowering spikes per stem. Cuttings from these plants now support a substantial industry producing essential oil and various products from the dried seed capsules (flowers). Lavandin contains more camphor than true lavender and is considered by some to be inferior. However, its higher productivity makes it a more commercially viable plant to farm. The yield is 1 litre per 50 to 250 kilos of cuttings but Lavandin can produce up to 7 time greater yield than lavender. The essential oil will be added to products such as cosmetics, washing powder, candles, soap, and various cleaners. Provence, France.