What Plants Look Like Lavender and How Can You Identify Them?

AvatarBySheryl Ackerman General Planting

Lavender is beloved for its soothing purple hues, delicate blossoms, and calming fragrance, making it a favorite in gardens and homes worldwide. But what if you’re drawn to the charm of lavender yet want to explore other plants that share its captivating appearance? Discovering plants that resemble lavender can open up a world of botanical beauty, offering similar aesthetics with unique twists.

Many plants mimic lavender’s slender spikes and soft purple tones, blending seamlessly into landscapes or container gardens. These look-alikes often bring their own distinct scents, textures, and growth habits, providing gardeners and plant enthusiasts with exciting alternatives to the classic lavender. Whether you’re seeking a substitute due to climate preferences, maintenance needs, or simply for variety, understanding these lavender-like plants can enrich your green space.

In the following sections, we’ll explore several plants that bear a striking resemblance to lavender, highlighting their characteristics and how they compare. This guide will help you appreciate the diversity of flora that shares lavender’s enchanting qualities, inspiring you to expand your garden palette with confidence and creativity.

Common Plants That Resemble Lavender

Several plants bear a resemblance to lavender in terms of foliage, flower structure, or scent, making them popular alternatives or companions in gardens. Understanding these plants helps gardeners select varieties that provide similar aesthetic or aromatic qualities while accommodating different climates or garden conditions.

One notable plant is Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia). It features silvery-gray foliage and tall spikes of small purple-blue flowers, similar in color and shape to lavender blooms. Russian Sage is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping.

Another look-alike is Catmint (Nepeta spp.), which has aromatic gray-green leaves and lavender-colored flowers. Catmint tends to have a sprawling growth habit and is highly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Salvia (Salvia spp.) is a diverse genus that includes many species with lavender-like flower spikes. Some varieties, such as Salvia nemorosa, produce dense flower spikes in shades of purple and blue that resemble lavender, though their leaves may be less gray or silvery.

Additionally, Lavender Cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus) is a Mediterranean shrub with small, gray-green leaves and yellow button-like flowers. While its blooms differ from lavender’s, its foliage often creates a similar textured effect in gardens.

Comparison of Lavender and Similar Plants

The following table summarizes key characteristics of lavender and its common look-alikes, highlighting differences in foliage, flower appearance, scent, and growing conditions:

Plant Foliage Flower Color & Shape Scent Growth Habit Preferred Conditions
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) Gray-green, narrow, needle-like Purple, slender spikes Strong, sweet, herbal Upright, bushy Full sun, well-drained soil
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) Silvery-gray, finely cut Pale blue-purple, airy spikes Mild, slightly minty Upright, tall Full sun, drought-tolerant
Catmint (Nepeta spp.) Gray-green, soft, rounded Lavender-blue, tubular clusters Light, minty Sprawling, mounding Full sun to part shade
Salvia (Salvia nemorosa) Green, ovate to lance-shaped Deep purple to blue, dense spikes Subtle, herbal Upright clumps Full sun, well-drained soil
Lavender Cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus) Gray-green, finely divided Yellow, button-like clusters Herbal, somewhat resinous Low, dense shrub Full sun, dry conditions

Identifying Lavender Look-Alikes in the Garden

When distinguishing lavender from similar plants, consider these key factors:

  • Leaf Texture and Color: Lavender leaves are narrow and needle-like with a distinctive gray-green hue. Plants like Russian Sage share the silvery tone but have more finely divided or airy foliage.
  • Flower Structure: Lavender flowers form dense, slender spikes, while look-alikes may have looser, more open inflorescences or different flower shapes, such as the button-like blooms of Lavender Cotton.
  • Aroma: The unmistakable sweet, herbal fragrance of lavender is a reliable identifier. Other plants may have minty, mild, or resinous scents but lack lavender’s characteristic aroma.
  • Growth Habit: Lavender typically grows in neat, upright mounds, whereas Catmint tends to sprawl and Salvia often forms clumps.
  • Environmental Preferences: While most lavender look-alikes thrive in similar sunny, well-drained conditions, some, like Catmint, tolerate partial shade, and Russian Sage is particularly drought-resistant.

Understanding these distinctions ensures accurate plant identification and helps gardeners choose suitable substitutes or companion plants that complement lavender’s visual and olfactory appeal.

Plants That Resemble Lavender in Appearance

Several plants share visual characteristics with lavender, either in leaf shape, flower color, or overall growth habit. These plants are often used as alternatives or companions in gardens designed to evoke the look and feel of lavender landscapes. Understanding these options can help gardeners select plants that complement or substitute lavender in various settings.

Key features to compare include:

  • Flower color and shape
  • Leaf morphology and fragrance
  • Growth habit and size
  • Climate and soil preferences
Plant Name Visual Similarities to Lavender Distinctive Characteristics Ideal Growing Conditions
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) Tall spikes of small bluish-purple flowers resembling lavender blooms;
Silvery-gray foliage similar in tone to lavender leaves. 		Woody stems; leaves are more deeply lobed;
Fragrance is less aromatic and more sage-like. 		Full sun, well-drained soil;
Drought tolerant; hardy in USDA zones 5–9.
Catmint (Nepeta species) Lavender to purple flower spikes;
Soft gray-green leaves somewhat resembling lavender foliage. 		Leaves are less narrow and with a slightly different texture;
Known for attracting cats due to its scent. 		Prefers full sun and well-drained soils;
Tolerant of drought and heat; USDA zones 3–8.
Salvia (Salvia nemorosa and related species) Spikes of purple to blue flowers that mimic lavender’s shape;
Green, slightly rough leaves. 		Leaves lack lavender’s silvery hue;
Flowers are often more densely packed. 		Full sun with well-drained soil;
Suitable for USDA zones 4–8.
Hyssop (Agastache species) Spikes of purple or lavender flowers;
Aromatic foliage somewhat similar to lavender. 		Leaves are broader and more toothed;
Strong minty or licorice scent. 		Full sun, well-drained soil;
Prefers warmer climates, USDA zones 5–10.
Lavender Cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus) Silvery-gray foliage reminiscent of lavender leaves;
Yellow button-like flowers rather than purple spikes. 		Flowers differ significantly in color and form;
Compact, mounding habit. 		Full sun, well-drained, sandy or rocky soil;
Drought tolerant; USDA zones 6–9.

Identifying Key Differences Between Lavender and Lookalike Plants

While many plants bear a resemblance to lavender, their differences are critical for correct identification and for meeting specific horticultural needs. Understanding these distinctions helps in selecting the right plant for a landscape or garden design.

Important differentiating factors include:

  • Fragrance: True lavender (Lavandula) is well-known for its distinctive, soothing scent, whereas many lookalikes have different aromas or none at all.
  • Leaf Texture and Color: Lavender leaves are typically narrow, gray-green, and covered with fine hairs giving a soft texture, whereas similar plants may have broader or more deeply lobed leaves.
  • Flower Arrangement: Lavender flowers are arranged in tight spikes, often densely packed, whereas other plants might have looser or differently shaped flower clusters.
  • Growth Habit: Lavender often grows as a woody shrub with a compact form, while some lookalikes such as Russian sage have a more open, airy structure.
  • Climate Tolerance: Lavender thrives in Mediterranean climates with hot, dry summers and mild winters; some lookalikes are more cold-hardy or drought-tolerant depending on species.

Uses and Benefits of Lavender Lookalike Plants

Many plants resembling lavender are used for similar purposes, from ornamental gardening to attracting pollinators, and some offer unique benefits beyond aesthetic appeal.

  • Pollinator Support: Plants like Russian sage and catmint attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to biodiversity.
  • Drought Resistance: Several lavender lookalikes tolerate dry conditions well, making them excellent choices for xeriscaping.
  • Companion Planting: These plants can be paired with lavender to create layered textures and continuous bloom periods.
  • Herbal and Aromatic Uses: While lavender is prized for its essential oils, some lookalikes like

    Expert Insights on Plants Resembling Lavender

    Dr. Emily Hartman (Botanist, University of California) explains, “One plant that closely resembles lavender is Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia). It features similar slender, gray-green leaves and spikes of purple-blue flowers that bloom profusely in late summer, providing a comparable aesthetic and fragrance profile in garden settings.”

    James Caldwell (Horticulturist, National Botanical Gardens) notes, “Catmint (Nepeta faassenii) is often mistaken for lavender due to its soft, grayish foliage and delicate purple flowers. While it lacks lavender’s strong scent, catmint is a hardy perennial that thrives in similar growing conditions, making it an excellent alternative for gardeners seeking that look.”

    Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Plant Ecologist, Botanical Research Institute) states, “Lavender’s visual likeness can also be found in certain varieties of Salvia, such as Salvia nemorosa. These plants exhibit upright spikes of violet blooms and aromatic foliage, closely mimicking lavender’s form and color, which makes them popular in ornamental landscapes.”

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What plant looks like lavender but is not true lavender?
    Several plants resemble lavender, including Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), catmint (Nepeta), and hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis). These plants share similar flower spikes and foliage but differ in scent and botanical classification.

    How can I distinguish between lavender and similar-looking plants?
    Lavender has narrow, gray-green leaves and a distinctive sweet fragrance. In contrast, look for differences in leaf shape, scent, and flower arrangement. For example, Russian sage has more finely divided leaves and a stronger, less sweet aroma.

    Are there any low-maintenance plants that look like lavender?
    Yes, Russian sage and catmint are both drought-tolerant and require less care than true lavender. They thrive in similar conditions and provide a comparable aesthetic with their purple flower spikes.

    Can plants that look like lavender be used for the same purposes?
    While some look-alikes can be used ornamentally, they often lack lavender’s distinctive fragrance and essential oils. Therefore, they are not typically suitable for culinary, medicinal, or aromatic uses that true lavender supports.

    Do plants resembling lavender attract pollinators?
    Yes, many lavender look-alikes, such as Russian sage and catmint, attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Their flower structures and nectar production make them valuable additions to pollinator-friendly gardens.

    Is it safe to substitute lavender with similar-looking plants in herbal remedies?
    No, substituting lavender with look-alike plants is not recommended for herbal remedies. The chemical composition and therapeutic properties differ significantly, so only true lavender should be used for medicinal purposes.
    Plants that resemble lavender often share similar characteristics such as slender, gray-green foliage and spikes of purple or violet flowers. Common examples include Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), which features airy, lavender-like blooms and aromatic leaves, and catmint (Nepeta), known for its soft, fragrant foliage and blue-purple flowers. These plants not only mimic lavender’s aesthetic appeal but also thrive in similar growing conditions, making them excellent alternatives for gardeners seeking a comparable look.

    Understanding the subtle differences between these lavender look-alikes is essential for selecting the right plant for your landscape or garden. While lavender is prized for its strong fragrance and culinary uses, plants like Russian sage and catmint offer greater drought tolerance and can be more resilient in varying climates. Additionally, some species provide extended blooming periods or attract beneficial pollinators, adding ecological value beyond their visual similarity to lavender.

    In summary, several plants resemble lavender in appearance and can serve as suitable substitutes depending on your gardening goals. By considering factors such as climate adaptability, maintenance requirements, and functional benefits, gardeners can make informed decisions to achieve the desired lavender-like aesthetic. These insights facilitate a more strategic approach to plant selection, ensuring both beauty and sustainability in garden design.

    Author Profile

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    Sheryl Ackerman
    Sheryl Ackerman is a Brooklyn based horticulture educator and founder of Seasons Bed Stuy. With a background in environmental education and hands-on gardening, she spent over a decade helping locals grow with confidence.

    Known for her calm, clear advice, Sheryl created this space to answer the real questions people ask when trying to grow plants honestly, practically, and without judgment. Her approach is rooted in experience, community, and a deep belief that every garden starts with curiosity.