Seeds can also be collected and stored when the seed capsules are completely dry, for use the following season.
Like lavender, they prefer drier conditions and require minimal water once established.ĭivide these plants in the fall.
Hyssop will grow in full sun or partial shade and needs well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. It grows to around 25 inches tall and half as wide. While lavender will grow best in USDA zones 5-8, hyssop can tolerate colder conditions and does not need winter protection, growing in USDA zones 3-11. It is a good pollinator plant and grows well in containers if you choose a pot big enough to accommodate its large root system. The plant is a compact plant and does well in garden beds. Plus, it is said to reduce the richness of fatty foods and aid digestion. Young fresh leaves can also be used in salads, soups and stews. Hyssop is used to aid respiratory problems and intestinal and liver conditions. The biggest difference is in the leaf shape, with true hyssop having more lavender-like leaves. True hyssop has medicinal benefits that Anise hyssop does not. In summer, whorls of small flowers in violet-blue, pink and sometimes white form at the end of long woody stems.Īlthough they have similar flowers and growing patterns, hyssop from the genus Hyssopus should not be confused with Anise hyssop – botanically Agastache foeniculum. The leaf shape, in particular, is quite similar but the leaf color is greener than lavenders’. Hyssop has many similarities to lavender. Like lavender, Hyssop ( Hyssopus officinalis) is a perennial that belongs to the mint and sage family ( Lamiaceae) – mostly aromatic perennial herbs. Cuttings can also be taken in spring, dipped into rooting hormone, and planted until well-rooted. They can be divided in spring to get even more plants. This also encourages new growth and more flowers. Keep the plants neat by pruning in summer to keep their shape and promote more upright growth. In spring when the new leaves appear, cut back the old stems to the lowest set of leaves. Water regularly when establishing new plants but don’t overwater later on. Russian sage needs a sunny position and well-composted soil that drains well. The leaves are not edible but can be used to repel insects, particularly around animals as they keep away ticks, fleas and ants. The flowers are dried and used in potpourri, and the fresh flowers are used to garnish desserts and salads. Russian sage has similar uses in the household as lavender. It was named by a Russian botanist after a Russian governor (Perovskia). It also does not come from Russia but is native to Afghanistan, and is also found in Iran, Pakistan and Tibet. Russian sage is not considered a true sage as it does not belong to the genus Salvia. It is hardy in USDA Zones 5-10 and is particularly drought tolerant once established.ĭon’t be fooled by this plant’s common name. Russian sage is useful as a pollinator and its tolerance of salt makes it perfect for coastal gardens. Also, like lavender, it has highly aromatic leaves that are useful in repelling insects like aphids, whitefly and cabbage worms when grown in a vegetable garden. Russian Sage can be used as a replacement for lavender in the garden lined along a pathway or in a flower bed along the border. It dies down in winter (to avoid any frost) and grows out in spring to reach a height of four to five feet. Like lavender, it’s a clump-forming perennial with silver-grey foliage, white stems and long spikes that feature small mauve flowers. Out of all the plants on this list that look similar to lavender, Russian sage ( Perovskia atriplicifolia) is by far the closest match. Plant instead of lavender, or plant a few with lavender, for a spectacular show of foliage and flowers that are also great pollinator attractors. These six plants are tough, hardy and pretty plants that deserve a spot in any garden.
Related Reading: How To Grow A Lavender Hedge (& 12 Reasons Why You Should) Or perhaps it’s not suitable to grow lavender in your location or particular planting spot, but you want to grow something that gives the same impact.Īs it turns out, there are several lavender lookalikes out there – and some that even have the same culinary and medicinal uses. Maybe the leaves are an odd shape, or the crushed flowers don’t have that quintessential calming scent. Have you ever come across a plant that looks eerily similar to lavender, but just doesn’t fit the profile?