Plants similar to lavender are common, and they share some aspects. Some of the features associated with these plants are blue or purple blooms, needle-like leaves, or bushy growth.
But, not all these blue-flowered plants are indeed the same. Check out the following lavender-look-alike plants that would make any garden stand out.
A List of the Best Plants Similar To Lavender
1. Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the most common plants, similar to lavender. At first glance, the two plants share such similarities that it can be hard to tell them apart. This plant has identical needle-like foliage.
It is a woody bushy plant growing up to three feet tall. It thrives in sunny areas that receive at least six to eight hours of sun daily. Rosemary thrives in warm, humid areas. But it cannot grow under cold temperatures below thirty degrees Fahrenheit.
This hardy plant grows in well-drained dry soils with less water. Water it enough and allow it to dry between the watering schedule. Too much water kills its roots.
Rosemary bushes make a good hedge when allowed to grow without pruning. They have a powerful scent that lingers on longer. This herb blends well with others and still does well on its own. You can use it in stews, sauces, meats, or potatoes.
2. Wisteria
Wisteria grows in Asia and America as one of the most colorful plants. The ones that grow in America have smooth stems and violet or blue blooms. They bloom in summer same as the lavender plants.
This plant requires adequate growing space as it has a large vine. Be careful to prune and control its growth, as it can take over everything around it. To manage its growth, provide less water and do not fertilize it.
Wisteria requires adequate sun for six to eight hours and stagnates during cold weather. You can train your wisteria to create beautiful arched entries or mount them on walls.
Use sturdy support to ensure it’s firm and does not fall off. It is best to grow it outdoors due to its large vine that is invasive.
Avoid growing it alongside the home, as it can wrap around gutters or other essential areas. Exercise caution when growing this plant, as it’s toxic to kids and pets.
3. Pitcher Sage
Pitcher sage is a common wildflower that grows in most gardens. It originates from Southwestern America, while lavender is from the Mediterranean.
It is a general weed but many gardeners today grow it as a flower. The Pitcher is a bushy clump-forming plant with blue florets blooming from midsummer to winter.
It has long, narrow green leaves with a greyish lighter color. It attracts hummingbirds and bees, which help with pollination.
This plant is perfect for borders and beds and can grow as a companion to other plants. It thrives under full sun and dry, well-drained sandy soils with less water. It is one of the perfect drought-resistant plants you can ever grow.
4. Russian Sage
The Russian sage is another look-alike plant. It has silvery gray foliage and rich blue flowers with violet hues that are a gorgeous show in a garden.
It blooms from summer to autumn, covering the entire ground. It’s a bold statement in the garden when it blooms.
This plant thrives on well-drained soils that are in full sun. It needs constant watering to keep it from dying. Fertilizing is optional, once every year, if need be.
This plant does not survive the cold season and would be ideal for keeping indoors. Prune it at the end of the cold season to encourage new growth after the cold season.
5. Clary Sage
Clary sage belongs to the mint family. It has gray-green leaves and pink or white blooms. Its uses are medicinal, aromatic, and flavoring.
The leaves and flowers are great for flavoring teas. This plant can grow on any soil as long as it’s well-drained. It thrives in full sun for at least six to eight hours.
It requires an average watering schedule that will not leave it over or under-watered. It dies after the second year and involves re-growing in the next season.Clary grows to about four feet tall and may need pruning or pinching. It can survive the hottest summers and the coldest winters, too. It establishes quickly once planted from seeds or cuttings.
6. Catnip
Catnip is a perennial plant that is easy to grow. Plant lavender near catnip as it’s one of the best companion plants to keep pests away. It grows in a clumped pattern with gray-green leaves at least three inches long.
It has small blooms in clusters of white and purple color that bloom from summer to fall. Catnip does well in USDA hardiness zones three to seven. This plant is aggressive and requires control.
If not controlled, it will invade the entire section. It thrives in well-drained loamy soils and full sun. It requires less watering due to its invasive nature.
Cats enjoy playing in a catnip garden, but its oil is toxic to pets and kids. In places like West Virginia and Maryland, it is considered invasive and not allowed to grow.
7. Hyssop
Hyssop is a native of the Mediterranean but commonly grows in the US. Its beauty attracts most gardeners to use it for landscaping. It grows as a bush and does not need constant pruning.
The blue florets are a lovely addition to any garden during late spring or summer. Its’ dark green leaves are best for flavoring soups and stews. It thrives in dry, well-drained soils with constant watering.
It prefers full sun for at least six to eight hours. The perfect growing areas are USDA hardiness four to eleven and can tolerate poor, dry, and sandy soils.
Hyssop can grow in gardens as border plants or pots. It tolerates poor sandy soils with adequate watering.
8. Basil
Basil is a herb common in Italian cuisines – pesto, pizza, pasta, or Caprese salad. Chefs across the world love to use this herb.
This herb has shiny glossy leaves and belongs to the mint family. Growing it together with English lavender repels aphids and other garden pests.
Basil is a tender plant, thriving in warm soils of up to fifty degrees Fahrenheit. This herb needs frequent watering for fast and consistent growth. Regular watering also helps this herb maintain its flavor.
It grows in warm areas that get full sun for at least six to eight hours daily. You can grow basil in the garden or in a container.
A few basil herbs produce very many leaves. You do not need to plant too many if it’s for your personal use. In case you end up with too much, you can refrigerate.
9. Purple Salvias
This plant is look-alike with its blooms. This perennial plant attracts many pollinators due to its beauty. It thrives in full sun for at least six to eight hours daily.
This plant takes on a shrub appearance and attracts a wide range of pollinators. It requires frequent watering to withstand the full sun.
It blooms from early summer to autumn, adding its beauty to this hot season. Most gardeners who grow it believe it keeps the deer away.
In this regard, most gardeners growing lavender use it as a hedge to keep deer away. It’s also a perfect plant for the landscape, growing in nearly all soil types.
10. Victoria Blue Salvia
Victoria Blue is a perennial plant part of the mint family. It also carries the name mealycup sage. It has deep blue colored densely packed blooms that make it stand out in the garden.
It blooms from the end of spring to frost with small, densely packed florets. This plant is drought tolerant and can thrive in dry areas. The soils need to be well-drained, but it tolerates even poor soil.
It requires at least six hours of full sun daily. It grows in round, thick clumps about 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide.
This plant tends to be a repellant for rabbits and deer. Most gardeners grow them around the ends of the garden to protect the vegetables. Due to its large size, it will need pruning from time to time.
11. Catmint
Catmint is a highly easy-to-grow plant. It is an aromatic herb that produces lavender-blue florets over grayish-green foliage.
Plants similar to lavender CatmintThe catmint plant is closely related to catnip and carries the same characteristics. But, they are different in their species.
Catmint can grow under partial sun and shade and requires less frequent watering. It is also heat tolerant and does well in dry conditions. It does well in companion planting near vegetables as an insect repellant.
You must be cautious when growing catmint as it is aggressive and can get out of control quickly. Be sure to plant it further from your vegetables and keep it under control.
12. Mexican Bush Sage
Mexican bush is an ideal perennial plant to grow. It has unique greenish silver leaves and vibrant purple flowers.
It thrives in USDA zones seven through nine. This plant reaches a size of four feet in width and height. Just like its name, the Mexican bush grows as a bush like many others.
It requires full sun, well-draining soils, and some fertilizing to thrive. It survives the cold winter in warm areas of about 18 degrees Fahrenheit.
This Mexican bush is not grown for its flavor but for its good looks. It attracts hummingbirds and bees during its flowering season. It requires patience to reach maturity, but it’s well worth the wait.
13. Salvia Nemerosa ‘Caradonna’
The Caradonna is a unique cultivar of the Nemerosa species. It has violet-blue florets that seem to stand out on its stems. Its leaves are thin with a bright green color.
Plants similar to lavender Salvia Nemerosa ‘CaradonnaThe height and width of Caradonna reach up to two feet. This plant thrives under full sun and adequate water. It requires rich, well-drained soils to thrive.
Gardeners from USDA areas four to eight can grow this plant successfully. Their leaves, stems, and florets are what bring all the difference.
Caradonna is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much except watering. It is a drought-tolerant plant that does not need too much water. Overwatering causes root rot and eventually death.
You can grow Caradonna in pots as well as in the garden. Keep your container under direct sunlight or partial shade.
14. Agastache Blue Fortune
Agastache blue fortune is a European hybrid that grows all over the US. Its powder blue blooms are beautiful to bees and butterflies. They bloom from mid-summer to fall, bringing your garden to life.
The leaves are large and green with silver undersides. This plant needs well-drained soils and less frequent watering. It thrives under the full sun for at least six to eight hours.
It grows in USDA hardiness zones four to eight. It is a bigger bush of up to 24 inches and 18 inches wide.
15. Hebe ‘Garden Beauty Blue’
Hebe is a dense multi-branched evergreen shrub. It has deep green glossy leaves and clear bright blue florets.
Plants similar to lavender Hebe ‘Garden Beauty BlueIt’s a low-maintenance cultivar suitable for many types of soils. Hebe prefers alkaline soils that are not too fertile. It thrives under full sun and requires moderate watering.
It attracts plenty of pollinators and good insects as it produces good nectar. Shelter them from cold weather and dry winds to keep them alive.
Hebe grows up to about one meter in height and width. It takes four years to reach maturity, flowering in summer.
Conclusion
Lavender is a common plant that gardeners love to grow all across America. It has many uses making it one of the best plants to grow even in modern days.
If you want to grow other plants related to lavender, you can choose some from the list above. Basil, rosemary, or clary sage will not only cover your ground but give you some herbs.
Remember that plant you choose to grow represents your love for lavender!
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