Lavender is well-loved for its calming fragrance and pretty purple blooms, but did you know many other flowers look like lavender?
Whether you're styling your garden or arranging a bouquet, these floral lookalikes offer the same charm and colour without being actual lavender. Some mimic the texture, some share the same hue, and others bring their own quirky character into the mix.
So, if you’re looking to shake things up a bit or can’t grow real lavender in your area, here’s a list of 11 flowers that look like lavender but aren't—but are just as beautiful.
1. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian sage often gets mistaken for lavender—and for good reason. It features tall spikes of purple-blue flowers and silvery-green foliage that’s soft to the touch. It blooms in summer and gives off a light herbal scent that many find soothing.
Why it’s similar: Long flower spikes, purplish tones, and drought resistance.
2. Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint brings a bushy, lavender-like appearance with pale violet blossoms and a fragrance that some even prefer over true lavender. It's hardy, low-maintenance, and a favourite of bees and butterflies.
Why it’s similar: Soft, aromatic foliage and purple flower clusters.
3. Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)
Salvia offers stunning vertical blooms that can easily be mistaken for lavender. It comes in various shades, including rich purples and blues. Plus, it’s easy to grow in sunny spots and does well in dry soil.
Why it’s similar: Upright floral spikes and the same cool colour palette.
4. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
Hyssop has slender stems with purple-blue flower clusters. While it’s more upright and less bushy than lavender, it still gives off a very similar garden vibe.
Why it’s similar: Fragrant, narrow leaves and a tall bloom structure.
5. Veronica (Speedwell)
Speedwell comes in several shapes and colours, but the variety of tall, purple-blue spikes gives it a true lavender look. It’s a pollinator magnet and thrives in full sun.
Why it’s similar: Slender flower spikes and purple hues.
6. Agastache (Anise Hyssop)
With its tall, fluffy spikes of purple or bluish flowers, Agastache easily resembles lavender from a distance. It’s also incredibly aromatic and loved by hummingbirds and bees.
Why it’s similar: Similar size, shape, and aromatic quality.
7. Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Though it's often considered invasive in some regions, Purple Loosestrife offers a stunning column of purple flowers that mirrors lavender’s elegance.
Why it’s similar: Tall, spiky blooms in rich purple.
8. Bluebeard (Caryopteris)
Bluebeard is more shrubby than lavender, but its blue-violet flowers and soft green foliage offer the same colour harmony. It’s also deer-resistant and low-maintenance.
Why it’s similar: Soft blue-purple tones and pollinator appeal.
9. Meadow Sage (Salvia pratensis)
A cousin to Salvia nemorosa, Meadow Sage boasts dense flower spikes and blooms early in the season. It’s perfect for adding texture and height to your garden beds.
Why it’s similar: Long stems, blue-lavender blooms, and similar care needs.
10. Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
Wisteria is a climbing vine rather than a shrub, but its cascading clusters of fragrant purple flowers are absolutely show-stopping—and reminiscent of lavender fields in full bloom.
Why it’s similar: Colour, scent, and romantic flair.
11. Lavender Cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus)
Despite its name, Lavender Cotton isn’t lavender at all. It’s a compact plant with yellow button-like blooms, but its silvery foliage looks incredibly close to lavender from afar.
Why it’s similar: Silvery-green foliage and tidy mound shape.
Conclusion About Flowers That Look Similar To Lavender
Whether you’re working with tricky soil, exploring new design ideas, or just want something a little different, these flowers that look similar to lavender can deliver the same visual charm without the exact plant. You don’t have to stick to one type of flower when there’s a world of lookalikes out there that bring the same magic.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flowers That Look Similar To Lavender
Is Russian Sage The Same As Lavender?
No, Russian sage is a different species altogether. While it looks similar to its purplish-blue spikes, it has a distinct fragrance and care requirements.
Can You Substitute Lavender With Catmint In A Garden?
Yes, catmint is a great alternative. It shares similar growing habits and appearance but tends to be easier to maintain.
Do All Lavender Lookalikes Smell Like Lavender?
Not all of them. Some, like anise hyssop or catmint, have their own unique scents, while others, like Veronica, have very little fragrance.
Are There Climbing Flowers That Look Like Lavender?
Yes, Wisteria is a climbing plant with beautiful purple clusters that evoke the same romantic feel as lavender.
What’s The Easiest Lavender Alternative To Grow?
Catmint and salvia are among the easiest to grow. They tolerate drought and poor soil, making them perfect for beginner gardeners.
