9 Beautiful Plants That Look Like Lavender But Aren’t (With Pictures)

Last Updated on May 20, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

Are you looking for a beautiful plant that has the same purple hue as lavender, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of keeping a live plant? If so, then you should consider using artificial plants!

There are many different types of artificial plants on the market, and one of our favorites is the lavender-lookalike. These plants are perfect for anyone who wants to add a touch of purple to their home or office without having to worry about upkeep. In this blog post, we will discuss 9 beautiful plants that look like lavender but aren’t!

Related: 32+ Different Types Of Lavender Plants (With Pictures)

Beautiful Plants That Look Like Lavender But Aren’t

1. Basil.

The word conjures up images of Italian cuisine, and with good reason. This annual herb is a staple in many dishes, from pizza and pasta to pesto and caprese salad. But basil isn’t just for eating. It’s also a beautiful plant that can add color and flavor to your garden.

Basil comes in many varieties, but the most common is sweet basil. It has large, green leaves and a strong, pungent flavor. If you’re looking for a plant that smells like lavender, try lemon basil or Thai basil. These varieties have a more subtle flavor and a lovely scent.

2. Catmint (Nepeta cataria).

This plant is also known as catnip and is in the mint family. It is a perennial herb that grows to about two or three feet tall and has lavender-colored flowers. The leaves are green and have a strong scent when they are crushed.

Catmint is native to Europe and Asia but can be found in North America as well. It is often used in herbal teas and as a natural insect repellent.

If you are looking for a plant that has the same color flowers as lavender but is not actually lavender, then catmint is a good option. It is easy to grow and can be found in many nurseries or online.

You can also try growing it from seed if you are feeling adventurous. Either way, you will end up with a beautiful and fragrant plant that will add some color to your garden.

Catmint vs Lavender

Catmint has all of the same characteristics as lavender – it’s aromatic, has pretty purple flowers, and is drought tolerant.

The main difference between these two plants is that catmint is more resistant to pests and diseases. So if you’re looking for a lavender plant that’s a little tougher, catmint might be the right choice for you.

3. Meadow sage (Salvia nemorosa).

This plant is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, that contains about seven hundred and fifty species of flowering plants. The name “sage” comes from the Latin word salvere, meaning “to save.” This refers to the healing properties of sage.

Meadow sage is a perennial herb that grows to about two feet tall. The leaves are oblong and about two inches long. The flowers are pink, purple, or white and grow in spikes. Sage is native to Europe, but it has been naturalized in North America. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Sage is a very versatile plant. It can be used fresh or dried in cooking. It is also used in many cosmetics and as an incense. Sage has a long history of use in magic and spiritual practices.

Sage is considered an evergreen, meaning that it keeps its leaves year-round. In cold climates, the leaves may turn brown or bronze, but they will green up again in the spring.

What are the differences between Meadow sage and lavender?

Meadow sage (Salvia nemorosa) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) are both popular ornamental plants. They are often used in the same type of landscaping, but there are some key differences between them.

Meadow sage is a perennial plant that can reach up to two feet tall. It has blue or purple flowers that bloom in the summer. Lavender is also a perennial plant, but it only grows to be about a foot tall. Its flowers are usually pink or white and bloom in the spring.

Meadow sage is native to Europe, while lavender is native to the Mediterranean region. Meadow sage prefers full sun and well-drained soil, while lavender prefers partial sun and well-drained soil.

Meadow sage is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It is not very susceptible to pests or diseases and does not need to be fertilized often. Lavender is a bit more high-maintenance. It is susceptible to root rot and needs to be fertilized more often than meadow sage.

When deciding which plant to use in your landscaping, it is important to consider the differences between meadow sage and lavender. Both plants are beautiful, but they will require different amounts of care.

Related: 26 Types of Sage Plants for Your Garden: From Culinary to Medicinal Uses

4. Pitcher Sage (Salvia azurea).

This North American native grows in clumps up to three feet tall and wide, with erect stems bearing lance-shaped leaves that are silvery green on top and white beneath.

In summer, the plants produce two-lipped blue flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. deer resistant and drought tolerant once established. Plant in full sun in average, well-drained soil.

What are the differences between Pitcher sage and lavender?

Pitcher sage (Salvia pitcheri) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) are both fragrant, aromatic plants that have many similarities. Both plants are used in herbalism and have similar healing properties. However, there are some key differences between the two plants.

Pitcher sage is a member of the mint family, while lavender is a member of the Asteraceae family. Pitcher sage is native to the southwestern United States, while lavender is native to the Mediterranean region.

Pitcher sage grows in dense, erect clusters and can reach up to four feet in height. The leaves are lanceolate and have a furry texture. The flowers are tubular and range in color from white to purple.

Lavender grows in more open, sprawling clusters and typically only reaches two feet in height. The leaves are linear and have a smooth texture. The flowers are spherical and range in color from pale pink to purple.

Pitcher sage has a camphor-like scent, while lavender has a sweeter, floral scent. Pitcher sage is used to treat digestive issues and sore throats, while lavender is used to treat anxiety and insomnia.

5. Purple Giant Hyssop.

This plant is related to lavender and has similar looking flowers. The leaves are large and the plant can grow up to six feet tall. It blooms in the summer and is a great addition to any garden.

What are the differences between Purple Giant Hyssop and lavender?

Lavender is a member of the mint family, with aromatic flowers and leaves. The Purple Giant Hyssop is a member of the hyssop family, with blue or violet flowers. Both plants are used for their fragrance and as ornamental plants.

The main difference between these two plants is that lavender is an evergreen, while Purple Giant Hyssop is a deciduous plant. Lavender also has a higher oil content than Purple Giant Hyssop. This means that lavender can be used for aromatherapy and as a natural insect repellent.

Purple Giant Hyssop does not have the same high oil content as lavender, but it does have a higher concentration of tannins. Tannins are bitter compounds that can be used as astringents and preservatives.

6. Purple Salvias.

Lavender and purple salvia plants have a lot in common. They are both part of the mint family, they both have aromatic leaves, and they both produce beautiful blooms in shades of purple and blue. But there is one key difference between these two plants: their flowers. Lavender flowers are tubular, while salvia flowers are two-lipped.

If you’re looking for a plant with all the beauty of lavender but without the fuss, purple salvia is the perfect choice. These hardy plants are easy to grow and care for, and they will add a beautiful pop of color to your garden.

7. Rosemary.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple, or blue flowers. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region and is used as a culinary herb in many dishes. It is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens.

While rosemary and lavender share some similarities, they are actually quite different. Rosemary is a member of the mint family, while lavender is a member of the lavender family. They also have different growing requirements. Lavender prefers full sun and well-drained soil, while rosemary can tolerate partial shade and needs more water than lavender.

8. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia).

You may not have known that there are plants that look like lavender, but there are! Russian sage is one of them. This perennial herb is native to the steppes of central Asia and has been used in folk medicine for centuries.

The plant grows to a height of about three feet and has blue-green leaves that are covered with white fuzz. The flowers are small and blue, and they bloom in the summer. Russian sage is a drought-tolerant plant that does not need much water or care. It is also resistant to deer and rabbits.

9. Wisteria.

This plant is beautiful and fragrant, and it’s perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any garden. Wisteria comes in many different colors, but the most popular are purple and white. This vine can grow quite large, so make sure you have plenty of space for it to spread out.

FAQs

Is Russian Sage a type of lavender?

The answer is no, Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is not a type of lavender. The confusion likely arises because both plants are members of the mint family (Lamiaceae), and they share some similarities in appearance.

Is wisteria and lavender the same?

No, wisteria and lavender are not the same. Wisteria is a climbing plant that belongs to the pea family, while lavender is a member of the mint family. They both have beautiful, fragrant flowers, but their leaves and stems are quite different.

Wisteria has large, glossy leaves and its stems are thick and woody. Lavender has small, silvery-green leaves and its stems are thin and delicate. The flowers of wisteria are usually purple or white, while those of lavender are typically a pale lilac color.

Are sage and lavender related?

The answer is yes, sage and lavender are related. They are both members of the mint family, which means they have a lot in common. For example, they both have a strong scent that can be used for aromatherapy.

Sage and lavender also have some differences. Sage is a more pungent herb, while lavender has a more floral scent. Sage is also used more often in savory dishes, while lavender is used more in sweet dishes.

What does lavender look like when it starts to grow?

Lavender typically starts to grow in the springtime. The plant will sprout small, green leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern. In the center of the leaves, there will be a small bud that will eventually open up into a lavender flower. The flowers are typically a deep purple color and they have a strong, pleasant scent. Lavender can be used in a variety of different ways, such as in essential oils, potpourris, and sachets. It is also a popular ingredient in many soaps and cosmetics.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! These are just a few of the many plants that resemble lavender but aren’t actually in the same family. Whether you’re looking for an alternative to lavender or just want to add some variety to your garden, any of these plants would be a great choice. Thanks for reading and happy gardening!