KORONA LAV · Our cultivation
On our land in Bulgaria we grow Lavandula angustifolia, true lavender. Our two main varieties are Yubileina and Druzhba.
Botany
Lavandula angustifolia Mill., also called narrow-leaved or English lavender, belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). This perennial aromatic subshrub has narrow grey-green leaves and mostly violet flowers. Its natural range extends from north-east Spain through France to Italy. Bulgaria is a major growing country with its own lavender breeding programme. “Bulgarian lavender” therefore describes origin and breeding, not a separate botanical species.
The plant prefers sunny sites and well-drained soil. It tolerates drought, and its summer flowers provide food for bees and other pollinators.
Essential lavender oil is distilled from the flowering tops. Its main natural constituents include linalool and linalyl acetate, which shape its characteristic scent. True lavender usually contains less camphor than lavandin, the hybrid of true lavender and spike lavender.
Юбилейна
Its Bulgarian name is Юбилейна. In scientific publications the variety also appears as Jubileina or Yubileyna.
A three-year study in the Kazanlak valley classed it among the early-flowering varieties. Its oil contains linalool, linalyl acetate and lavandulyl acetate, among others, and has a profile that can be distinguished from Druzhba.
Дружба
Druzhba (Bulgarian Дружба) also appears in the literature as Drujba. It is likewise a Bulgarian variety of Lavandula angustifolia, grown for essential oil.
In the same study Druzhba was one of the late-flowering varieties. Actual flowering and harvest dates for both varieties depend on site and weather.
Research
A study of trial plantings in Kazanlak recorded the following relative proportions for the 2005–2007 harvests:
| Constituent | Yubileina | Druzhba |
|---|---|---|
| Linalool | 24.0–29.5 % | 31.3–33.9 % |
| Linalyl acetate | 28.6–31.3 % | 30.9–35.3 % |
| Camphor | 0.1–0.3 % | 0.2–0.3 % |
Historical research data from gas chromatography, not analysis values of our own oils. Composition varies with variety, site, weather, harvest and distillation. The values for our batches are given in the relevant certificate of analysis.
