Lavender is beloved for its fragrant, purple-hued blooms, but did you know that many other plants share its distinctive look?
Whether you’re seeking alternatives for different climates, want to extend your garden’s blooming season, or simply love lavender-like flowers, there are plenty of options to explore.
From hardy perennials to delicate annuals, these plants offer similar beauty with unique growing requirements. In this article, we explore 14 plants with flowers that look like lavender, perfect for adding charm and elegance to your garden.
Russian Sage
Renowned for its hardy nature, Russian Sage boasts tall spikes of silvery purple flowers reminiscent of lavender. These blooms thrive in sunny, well-drained spots, making it a gardener’s delight. Its aromatic foliage adds an extra layer of sensory experience. With minimal maintenance, it’s a perfect fit for both beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. Plant it en masse for a stunning effect. Bees and butterflies find it irresistible, adding life to any garden. Whether it’s a cottage garden or a formal setting, this plant adapts beautifully, offering both visual and ecological benefits.
Catmint
Catmint is a versatile perennial that shares lavender’s enchanting hue. Its soft purple-blue flowers stand out against its rich green foliage, creating a serene and calming atmosphere. Ideal for borders or as ground cover, it thrives in various conditions. Easy to grow and maintain, it’s a joy for those who love low-maintenance plants. Additionally, its slight minty fragrance is refreshing. Not just for garden aesthetics, it also attracts pollinators, supporting local ecosystems. Pair it with roses for a classic English garden feel, or let it spill over a stone wall for a rustic touch.
Salvia
Salvia stands out with its tall spires of vibrant purple flowers, echoing the charm of lavender. This perennial is known for its resilience and ability to flourish in diverse environments. Its striking blossoms not only please the eye but also attract hummingbirds and bees. Perfect for adding height and color to borders, it’s a favorite among landscape designers. Low water needs make it suitable for xeriscaping. Plant in full sun for the best blooms. A mix of salvia varieties can provide continuous color throughout the growing season, enhancing any garden space.
Anise Hyssop
Anise Hyssop, with its striking purple flower spikes, resembles lavender’s elegance while offering its unique sweet, licorice scent. This perennial thrives in sunny spots and well-drained soil, making it easy to incorporate into existing landscapes. Its long blooming period ensures continuous color in your garden. Besides its beauty, it serves as a magnet for pollinators. The aromatic leaves can be used in teas, adding a delightful twist to beverages. Anise Hyssop not only beautifies gardens but also enriches them with its multi-sensory appeal, making it a worthy addition to any plant collection.
Veronica
Veronica, also known as Speedwell, offers slender spikes of flowers in hues ranging from bright blue to deep purple, much like lavender. Its blooms rise above fresh green foliage, creating an elegant display. Ideal for borders and rock gardens, Veronica adapts well to various garden styles. The plant’s hardiness makes it a reliable choice for gardeners. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care. Attracts bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity. With its extended blooming season, Veronica ensures your garden remains vibrant for longer, offering both beauty and ecological benefits.
Liatris
The unique, feather-like spikes of Liatris make it a striking lavender alternative. Its tall, purple flowers rise majestically, adding vertical interest to gardens. Liatris is drought-tolerant, thriving in sunny locations with well-drained soil. This plant not only beautifies but also draws pollinators like butterflies and bees. Suitable for prairie-style gardens, it complements grasses and other perennials. Its long-lasting blooms are perfect for cut flower arrangements. Embrace Liatris for its resilience and the vibrant touch it adds to any landscape. Whether in wild gardens or formal borders, it stands as a testament to nature’s artistry.
Sea Holly
Sea Holly offers striking, lavender-like blooms that can captivate any garden enthusiast. Its spiky flowers resemble lavender but bring their unique charm with a silvery hue.
The metallic sheen of the Sea Holly adds a whimsical touch, making it a standout addition to any floral arrangement. Plus, its drought-resilience is unparalleled.
Whether planted in garden beds or pots, this plant manages to look both wild and sophisticated. For those seeking a more hardy plant with lavender aesthetics, Sea Holly is an excellent choice.
Lavender Cotton
Lavender Cotton combines the best of both worlds with its aromatic, silver foliage and petite purple flowers. Its blooms mimic true lavender, while its leaves offer an additional olfactory delight.
This plant thrives in dry, well-drained soil, making it perfect for rock gardens. Its compact nature allows it to fit snugly into smaller spaces without overwhelming neighboring plants.
If you’re after an alternative that brings both visual and fragrant appeal, Lavender Cotton is the plant to choose. Its versatility and charm are undeniable.
Purple Toadflax
Purple Toadflax might not be the first plant you think of, but its lavender-like blossoms are a delightful surprise. The tall, slender stems give way to small, purple flowers that flutter elegantly in the wind.
Resilient and easy to grow, it serves as both a garden beauty and a pollinator’s delight. Its evergreen foliage ensures year-round interest, even when the flowers have faded.
For a whimsical touch to your garden, Purple Toadflax is both charming and unexpected. Its light and airy demeanor truly captivates.
Wild Indigo
Wild Indigo is more than just a pretty face—this plant boasts striking flowers that mirror lavender’s allure. The tall, spiky blooms sway gracefully in the breeze, making a statement in any garden.
Known for its hardiness, Wild Indigo doesn’t demand much attention yet rewards gardeners with fantastic floral displays. Its deep roots and bushy appearance create a robust visual impact.
Gardeners looking for a low-maintenance plant that offers lavender-like beauty will find Wild Indigo a perfect match. Its elegance is effortless.
Blue False Indigo
Blue False Indigo surprises with its deep purple flowers mimicking lavender’s look. Despite its name, there’s nothing false about its beauty.
This perennial thrives in sunny spots, adding vibrant color to any garden. Its robust nature makes it a perfect choice for those new to gardening or those who prefer low-maintenance plants.
Beyond aesthetics, it attracts bees and butterflies, enhancing the garden’s ecosystem. If you wish for a plant that offers more than just beauty, Blue False Indigo is a stellar choice.
Meadow Rue
Meadow Rue is a sight to behold, with its soft, fluffy flowers that echo the appeal of lavender. Its clusters of blooms provide a whimsical touch to garden landscapes.
Perfect for shaded areas, it fills spaces with light and movement, creating an enchanting garden experience. The delicate nature of Meadow Rue adds a soft elegance to any setting.
Whether complimenting a woodland garden or softening a border, its presence is both charming and versatile. Meadow Rue offers subtle beauty with quiet confidence.
Lilac Sage
Lilac Sage, with its aromatic foliage and striking blooms, closely resembles lavender’s enchanting appearance. This plant’s flower spikes offer a sea of purple hues.
Adaptable to various climates, Lilac Sage is a hardy plant that can flourish in sunlit spaces. Its lengthy blooming period ensures prolonged garden color.
Gardeners seeking a plant that offers both scent and spectacle will find Lilac Sage an ideal addition. Its beauty is both captivating and enduring, making it a garden favorite.
Korean Mint
Korean Mint is a hidden gem, with flowers that closely mirror the appearance of lavender. Its tall spikes covered in purple blooms are as aromatic as they are visually appealing.
The mint aroma adds another layer of interest, making it a favorite for sensory gardens. It’s as pleasing to smell as it is to see.
For those looking to diversify their plant collection with a unique yet familiar bloom, Korean Mint is a standout choice. Its dual-purpose appeal for both beauty and fragrance is unmatched.