The Ultimate Guide to Finding Lavender Look Alikes

Lavender Look Alike: What is it?

When we talk about lavender look alikes, we are referring to plants that resemble lavender in terms of their appearance, fragrance, and even some of their medicinal properties. While these plants may not be true lavenders, they offer similar benefits and can be used as substitutes for lavender in various applications.

In this guide, we'll explore some of the most popular lavender look alikes and discuss their unique features and uses.

15 Lavender Look Alikes to Consider

1. Russian Sage

Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a stunning perennial plant that produces beautiful purple-blue flower spikes that resemble those of lavender. The leaves of Russian sage are gray-green and aromatic, just like lavender, and the plant has a similar overall shape and stature. In addition to its ornamental value, Russian sage also has some medicinal properties and can be used to treat respiratory issues and digestive problems.

How to Grow Russian Sage

Russian sage is a hardy plant that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Pruning the plant back in the fall will help promote new growth and keep it looking tidy.

2. Catmint

Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is another perennial herb that shares many similarities with lavender. It produces small, lavender-colored flowers that bloom in early summer and has gray-green foliage that is highly aromatic. Catmint is easy to grow and makes an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, or as a ground cover.

How to Grow Catmint

Catmint prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It can tolerate some drought but will benefit from occasional watering during dry spells. Pruning the plant back after its first bloom will encourage new growth and help keep it looking neat.

3. Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a popular herb that is often used in cooking. It has needle-like leaves that are gray-green and highly aromatic, just like lavender. Rosemary produces small, pale blue flowers that resemble those of lavender and can be used in various culinary and medicinal applications.

How to Grow Rosemary

Rosemary prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Pruning the plant regularly will help promote bushier growth and prevent it from becoming woody.

4. Bee Balm

Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is a showy perennial plant that produces bright red, pink, or purple flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. The plant's leaves are highly aromatic, with a scent similar to that of oregano or thyme. Bee balm can be used in teas, tinctures, or other herbal remedies to treat various ailments.

How to Grow Bee Balm

Bee balm prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It benefits from regular watering and mulching to retain moisture. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage the plant to produce more flowers throughout the growing season.

5. Hyssop

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a perennial herb that produces spikes of small, blue or pink flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. The plant's leaves are highly aromatic, with a scent that is reminiscent of mint and thyme. Hyssop can be used in teas, tinctures, or other herbal remedies to treat respiratory issues and digestive problems.

How to Grow Hyssop

Hyssop prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Pruning the plant back in the fall will help promote new growth and prevent it from becoming woody.

6. Sage

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a popular herb that has been used for centuries in cooking and medicine. It has gray-green leaves that are highly aromatic, with a scent similar to that of lavender. Sage produces small, purple or blue flowers that resemble those of lavender and can be used in various culinary and medicinal applications.

How to Grow Sage

Sage prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Pruning the plant back regularly will help promote bushier growth and prevent it from becoming woody.

7. Thyme

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a versatile herb that is often used in cooking and medicine. It has tiny, fragrant leaves that are gray-green and highly aromatic, with a scent similar to that of lavender. Thyme produces small, white or pink flowers that resemble those of lavender and can be used in various culinary and medicinal applications.

How to Grow Thyme

Thyme prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Pruning the plant back regularly will help promote bushier growth and prevent it from becoming woody.

8. Agastache

Agastache (Agastache foeniculum) is a hardy perennial herb that produces spikes of small, lavender-colored flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. The plant's leaves are highly aromatic, with a scent that is reminiscent of anise or licorice. Agastache can be used in teas, tinctures, or other herbal remedies to treat respiratory issues and digestive problems.

How to Grow Agastache

Agastache prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage the plant to produce more flowers throughout the growing season.

9. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a hardy perennial herb that produces small, white or yellow flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. The plant's leaves are highly aromatic, with a citrusy scent that is similar to lemon. Lemon balm can be used in teas, tinctures, or other herbal remedies to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other nervous system disorders.

How to Grow Lemon Balm

Lemon balm prefers partial shade to full sun and moist, well-draining soil. It benefits from regular watering and mulching to retain moisture. Pruning the plant back regularly will help promote bushier growth and prevent it from becoming woody.

10. Lavender Cotton

Lavender cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus) is a low-growing shrub that produces small, yellow button-like flowers that resemble those of lavender. The plant's leaves are highly aromatic, with a scent similar to that of lavender. Lavender cotton can be used as a border plant or in rock gardens.

How to Grow Lavender Cotton

Lavender cotton prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Pruning the plant back regularly will help promote bushier growth and prevent it from becoming woody.

11. Marjoram

Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is a perennial herb that produces small, pink or white flowers that resemble those of lavender. The plant's leaves are highly aromatic, with a sweet and spicy scent that is similar to oregano. Marjoram can be used in various culinary and medicinal applications.

How to Grow Marjoram

Marjoram prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Pruning the plant back regularly will help promote bushier growth and prevent it from becoming woody.

12. Oregano

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a hardy perennial herb that produces small, pink or white flowers that resemble those of lavender. The plant's leaves are highly aromatic, with a spicy scent that is similar to marjoram. Oregano can be used in various culinary and medicinal applications.

How to Grow Oregano

Oregano prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Pruning the plant back regularly will help promote bushier growth and prevent it from becoming woody.

13. Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is a tender perennial herb that produces small, white or pale pink flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. The plant's leaves are highly aromatic, with a lemony scent that is similar to lemon balm. Lemon verbena can be used in teas, tinctures, or other herbal remedies to treat anxiety, depression, and digestive issues.

How to Grow Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It benefits from regular watering and mulching to retain moisture. Pruning the plant back regularly will help promote bushier growth and prevent it from becoming woody.

14. Thyme-leaved Speedwell

Thyme-leaved speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia) is a low-growing perennial herb that produces small, blue or purple flowers that resemble those of lavender. The plant's leaves are highly aromatic, with a scent that is reminiscent of thyme. Thyme-leaved speedwell can be used as a ground cover or in rock gardens.

How to Grow Thyme-leaved Speedwell

Thyme-leaved speedwell prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It benefits from regular watering and mulching to retain moisture. Pruning the plant back regularly will help promote bushier growth and prevent it from becoming woody.

15. Sweet Woodruff

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a low-growing perennial herb that produces small, white flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. The plant's leaves are highly aromatic, with a sweet scent that is reminiscent of vanilla. Sweet woodruff can be used in teas, tinctures, or other herbal remedies to treat various ailments.

How to Grow Sweet Woodruff

Sweet woodruff prefers partial shade to full shade and moist, well-draining soil. It benefits from regular watering and mulching to retain moisture. Pruning the plant back regularly will help promote bushier growth and prevent it from becoming woody.

If you're looking for plants that resemble lavender in appearance, fragrance, or medicinal properties, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer perennials like Russian sage or catmint, or herbs like rosemary or thyme, there is a lavender look alike out there that will suit your needs.

As with any plant, it's important to research its growing requirements and care before adding it to your garden or using it in any herbal remedies.

FAQs

Q1. Are lavender look alikes safe to use in herbal remedies?

A1. Yes, many lavender look alikes have similar medicinal properties to true lavender and can be used safely in various herbal remedies. However, it's always important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any new herb or plant for medicinal purposes.

Q2. Can lavender look alikes be used in cooking?

A2. Yes, many lavender look alikes are culinary herbs and can be used in various recipes. However, it's important to research the specific herb and its usage before incorporating it into your cooking.

Q3. Do lavender look alikes require similar growing conditions as true lavender?

A3. While many lavender look alikes do prefer full sun and well-draining soil, their specific growing requirements may vary. It's important to research the specific plant and its growing conditions before planting.

Q4. Can lavender look alikes be grown indoors?

A4. Yes, many lavender look alikes can be grown indoors as long as they receive enough sunlight and are planted in well-draining soil.

Q5. How can I tell the difference between true lavender and its look alikes?

A5. True lavender has distinctive features, such as narrow leaves with a grayish-green color and small purple-blue flowers that grow on spikes. However, some lavender look alikes may have similar features, so it's important to research the specific plant and compare it to images of true lavender before making a purchase.

Sure thing! In that case, let's dive in. When it comes to finding plants that resemble lavender but aren't actually lavender, there are a few options to consider. One such plant is Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), which has similar silvery leaves and purple flowers. Another option is catmint (Nepeta spp.), which has a similar appearance to lavender but with more blue-hued flowers. Additionally, there are some varieties of salvia (Salvia spp.) that can be mistaken for lavender due to their similar coloration and foliage.

When writing your blog post, it may be helpful to include information on the growing requirements, care tips, and uses of these lavender lookalikes. You could also consider including photos or illustrations to help readers visualize the similarities and differences between lavender and these other plants.

As for your target audience, it would be helpful to know who you are writing for. Are you targeting experienced gardeners or beginners? Are you writing for a specific region or climate? Answering these questions will help you tailor your content to meet the needs and interests of your intended audience.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions or need additional assistance. Hi there! How can I assist you today?