Centuries of cultivation in the Grasse region of southern France have produced some of the most highly developed forms of lavender plant and arguably the finest lavender essential oil in the world. Other oil producing countries include Tasmania, Spain, Italy, England and China. The oil is not very tenacious. When it dries out it leaves behind a faint, sweet-herbaceous aroma. Good lavender oil isn't overly sharp, herbaceous, penetrating or camphoraceous.
Lavender is one of the most adaptable essential oils for creating aromatherapy blends or fragrances.
It adapts well to rich floral oils like rose otto or strong herbaceous oils like camphoraceous rosemary. The aromatherapy benefits of lavender are equally adaptable. A rich, sedative floral blend can be made more refreshing and uplifting, an invigorating, herbaceous more soothing by adding lavender. Some species closely related to lavender produce essential oils of use to the aromatherapist. Lavandin oil is fresh, sweet-herbaceous and camphoraceous.