11 Gorgeous Flowers That Look Like Lavender

The dreamy purple spires of lavender are a classic garden favourite, but they can be tricky to grow in Singapore's climate. Don't worry, you can still achieve that beautiful look. This guide explores 11 gorgeous and hardy flowers that look like lavender but are much better suited to our tropical weather. 

We will explore everything from the popular Russian Sage to the vibrant Meadow Sage, covering their appearance, care, and how they compare to true lavender, helping you find the perfect purple addition for your garden or balcony.

Let's dive into the top contenders that capture the essence of lavender. These plants offer similar colours and shapes, making them excellent substitutes to create that calming, picturesque garden scene you're looking for.

1. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Russian Sage is perhaps the most popular and convincing lavender lookalike. It creates a stunning visual with its tall, hazy cloud of purple-blue flowers held on silvery stems. It’s a plant that provides structure, colour, and texture all in one.

This plant is known for its tall and airy form, growing into a shrub-like mound. The flower spikes are long and delicate, creating a soft, misty effect from a distance. Its leaves are a beautiful silvery-grey colour and are finely cut, which adds to its delicate appearance and provides a wonderful contrast to the purple flowers.

When you brush past Russian Sage or crush its leaves, you won't smell the sweet floral notes of lavender. Instead, it has a clean, herbaceous scent that is very similar to sage, with slightly minty undertones. It’s a refreshing and pleasant aroma for the garden.

Russian Sage is a star performer in hot and sunny conditions, making it an excellent choice for our climate. It demands full, direct sunlight to stay strong and produce the best flowers. The most critical factor for success is well-draining soil, as it cannot tolerate wet feet. In Singapore, it’s best grown in pots or raised beds where you can control the soil mix by adding plenty of sand or perlite to ensure sharp drainage. Once established, it is remarkably drought-tolerant.

Russian Sage vs Lavender

The most significant difference between the two is size. Russian Sage is a much larger and more commanding plant, often reaching over a metre in height and spread, while most lavender varieties are more compact. The foliage of Russian Sage is toothed and silvery, whereas lavender leaves are typically smoother and more needle-like. If you want to create a bold, structural statement and have the space, Russian Sage is a fantastic choice. Lavender is better for smaller, neater borders.

2. Catmint (Nepeta)

For a softer, more relaxed garden style, Catmint is an unbeatable alternative. It’s a tough, reliable perennial that offers a long season of beautiful purple blooms with very little fuss.

Catmint grows in a soft, mounding habit, often spilling gently over the edges of pots or garden beds. It produces numerous spikes of small, lavender-blue flowers. Its foliage consists of small, grey-green, heart-shaped leaves with slightly serrated edges, which are soft to the touch.

As its name suggests, Catmint has a distinct minty and slightly spicy fragrance that many cats find irresistible. It’s a pleasant, fresh scent that is quite different from lavender’s perfume.

This is one of the most adaptable and easy-to-grow perennials. Catmint thrives in full sun but can also tolerate a little bit of afternoon shade. It is not fussy about soil type, as long as it is well-draining. In a tropical climate like ours, it can bloom almost continuously throughout the year, especially if you trim back the spent flower spikes. It's an excellent plant for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

Catmint vs Lavender

While both have purple spikes, their growth habits are very different. Catmint has a sprawling, informal shape that works well as a filler plant or a soft border. Lavender tends to be more upright and structural. The leaves are also a key differentiator; Catmint’s soft, heart-shaped leaves are unlike lavender’s narrow, linear foliage. Choose Catmint if you favour a low-maintenance, cottage-garden aesthetic.

3. Meadow Sage (Salvia nemorosa / Salvia pratensis)

The Salvia family is enormous, but certain varieties, particularly Meadow Sage, are brilliant lavender substitutes. They are prized for their intensely coloured flowers that stand tall and proud in the garden.

Meadow Sage produces dense, upright spikes of vibrant flowers. The colour is often a deeper, more saturated purple or violet than lavender. Popular cultivars like 'May Night' and 'Caradonna' are famous for their stunning, deep indigo spikes on dark stems. At the base of the plant is a clump of lush, slightly wrinkled green leaves.

The fragrance of Meadow Sage is minimal and earthy. The leaves have a faint herbaceous scent when crushed, but the plant is grown primarily for its visual impact rather than its aroma.

Salvias are sun-lovers and thrive in the heat. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight a day to produce a spectacular show of flowers. Like the other alternatives, they require well-draining soil to prevent root rot. One of the best features of Meadow Sage is its ability to re-bloom. After the first flush of flowers fades, trimming the spikes back will encourage the plant to produce a new round of colour, giving you a long-lasting display.

Salvia vs Lavender

This is a key comparison for many gardeners. The main difference lies in the flower structure and colour intensity. Salvia flowers are individually more distinct on the spike, and the colour is typically a much richer, deeper purple. Lavender flowers are smaller and more densely packed, creating a softer look. Furthermore, Salvia foliage is usually a vibrant green, which contrasts with the silvery-grey tones of most lavenders. If your goal is a powerful splash of colour, Salvia is the superior choice.

4. Anise Hyssop (Agastache)

Anise Hyssop is a delightful plant that appeals to the senses with its unique fragrance and beautiful flower spikes. It's also a favourite of pollinators, bringing life and movement to the garden.

This plant has a sturdy, upright growth habit, producing dense, bottlebrush-like flower spikes. The flowers can be purple, blue, pink, or even white, depending on the variety. The foliage is bright green with a slightly coarse texture.

The scent is the standout feature of Anise Hyssop. When the leaves are touched or crushed, they release a strong and wonderful fragrance of anise or liquorice. It’s a sweet and aromatic scent that is completely different from lavender but equally enjoyable.

Anise Hyssop loves sun and heat. It performs best with plenty of direct sunlight. Good air circulation is important, especially in our humid climate, to keep the foliage healthy and prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew. It needs well-draining soil and is quite drought-tolerant once it has settled in. Its ability to attract bees and butterflies makes it a wonderful addition to any eco-friendly garden.

Hyssop vs Lavender

The comparison here comes down to texture and scent. The flower spikes of Anise Hyssop are generally denser and more "fluffy" than the slender spikes of lavender. The most obvious difference, of course, is the scent, sweet liquorice versus sweet floral. Anise Hyssop is also valued as a culinary herb. It is one of the many edible flowers in the world.

5. Speedwell (Veronica)

For a touch of elegance and grace, Speedwell is an excellent choice. Its slender flower spires add a refined vertical accent to garden beds and containers, mirroring the shape of lavender with a character all its own.

Speedwell is known for its slim, tapered spires of flowers that come in beautiful shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. The flowers bloom along the spike, creating a very elegant and neat appearance. The plant forms a tidy clump of green foliage at its base.

Most varieties of Speedwell are not fragrant. This can be an advantage if you have a garden with many other scented plants and don't want the aromas to compete. Its beauty is purely visual.

Speedwell is quite versatile. There are taller varieties that are perfect for the middle of a border and low-growing types that work well as ground cover. They generally prefer full sun but can manage with some light shade. They appreciate consistent moisture but must have well-drained soil to avoid root issues.

The most noticeable difference is the shape of the flower spike; Veronica’s are often thinner and more pointed than lavender’s. The foliage is typically a brighter green, lacking the silvery tones of lavender. And, of course, the absence of a signature fragrance sets it apart.

Other Notable Plants That Look Like Lavender

Beyond the top contenders, several other plants offer a similar aesthetic and are well worth considering for your garden.

6. Spanish Sage (Salvia lavandulifolia)

As its name suggests, this is a Salvia that looks remarkably like lavender. It’s often called "lavender sage" because it has narrow, silvery-grey foliage and spikes of purple flowers that closely mimic true lavender. The scent, however, is that of savoury sage, not floral lavender.

7. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

While known as a culinary herb, Rosemary's fine, needle-like foliage and small, delicate blue-purple flowers give it a similar Mediterranean feel to lavender. It adores the sun and heat of Singapore and thrives in well-draining soil, making it an incredibly low-maintenance choice for a sunny balcony or garden spot.

8. Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

Blazing Star offers a unique twist on the purple spike. Its flowers are fluffy and bottlebrush-like, creating a very different texture. Unusually, they bloom from the top of the spike downwards. The plant’s tall, grassy foliage provides a strong vertical element, and it’s excellent for adding a touch of wildness to a planting scheme.

9. Bluebeard (Caryopteris)

This is a small, woody shrub that produces beautiful clusters of powder-blue to violet flowers in late summer and autumn. Its foliage is often grey-green or silvery, complementing the cool-toned flowers perfectly and echoing the colour palette of lavender.

10. Hoary Verbena (Verbena stricta)

A tough and resilient plant, Hoary Verbena has pencil-thin spikes of purple flowers and fuzzy, grey-green leaves. It has a more untamed, wildflower look, perfect for naturalistic garden designs. It is exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun.

11. Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)

Leadplant is a beautiful small shrub known for its stunning silvery foliage, which is delicate and fern-like. It produces short spikes of purple flowers that are accented with bright orange stamens. It’s a unique plant that also improves soil health by fixing nitrogen.

Why Look for a Lavender Alternative in Singapore?

Many of us dream of having fields of purple lavender in our own gardens, a vision often inspired by the rolling hills of Provence. However, the reality of growing true lavender (from the Lavandula genus) in Singapore can be challenging. Lavender thrives in dry, airy conditions with full sun and cooler temperatures, especially at night. Our tropical climate, with its high heat and humidity year-round, is often too intense and moist for these Mediterranean natives.

This is where the gardener's motto, "right plant, right place," becomes so important. Instead of struggling to keep a plant alive in an environment it's not suited for, we can achieve a far better result by choosing plants that naturally flourish here. Opting for a lavender alternative means less stress for you and a healthier, more vibrant plant. 

The purple flowers that will explore share many of lavender's best qualities, beautiful purple flower spikes, attractive foliage, and often a lovely fragrance, but without the demanding care requirements. They are tough, beautiful, and ready to thrive in the Singaporean sun.

How to Choose the Right Lavender Lookalike for Your Space

With so many wonderful options, the right choice depends on your specific needs and garden style.

• For Sunny Balconies in HDBs and Condos: Plants that thrive in containers and love heat are ideal. Choose Russian Sage (if you have a large pot), Meadow Sage (Salvia), and Rosemary.
• For Ground Cover and Borders: To create a soft, full look at the front of a garden bed, Catmint is the perfect choice with its sprawling habit. Low-growing varieties of Speedwell (Veronica) also work beautifully.
• For Attracting Pollinators: To bring bees and butterflies to your garden, plant Anise Hyssop, Blazing Star (Liatris), and Meadow Sage (Salvia).
• For Fragrance (That Isn't Lavender): If you want a beautifully scented garden, choose Anise Hyssop for its sweet liquorice aroma or Russian Sage for its clean, herbaceous scent.

Planting and Care Tips for Lavender Alternatives in Singapore

Most of these lavender lookalikes share similar flower care needs, making them easy to manage together.

• Sunlight: The number one rule is sun. Almost all of these plants require a minimum of six hours of direct, bright sunlight each day to produce strong stems and abundant flowers.
• Soil: This is the most critical factor. These plants cannot tolerate soggy soil. Use a very well-draining potting mix. For pots, a mix of regular potting soil with a good amount of sand or perlite (about 30%) is ideal to ensure water drains away quickly.
• Watering: Follow a "soak and dry" method. Water the plants thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes, then wait for the top few centimetres of soil to dry out completely before watering again. They are more likely to suffer from overwatering than underwatering.
• Fertilising: These plants are not heavy feeders. A balanced, slow-release fertiliser applied once every few months is sufficient. Too much fertiliser can cause weak, leggy growth with fewer flowers.
• Pruning: Regular trimming helps keep these plants looking their best. Deadhead spent flowers on plants like Salvia and Catmint to encourage a second wave of blooms. Prune woody plants like Russian Sage and Rosemary annually to maintain their shape and encourage fresh, bushy growth.

Conclusion On Flowers That Look Like Lavender

While growing true lavender in Singapore presents its challenges, creating that beautiful, serene garden aesthetic is entirely possible. A stunning range of hardy and gorgeous alternatives is available, ready to flourish in our tropical climate. Top choices like the airy Russian Sage, vibrant Salvia, and gentle Catmint offer the same vertical purple spikes and pleasing forms. 

By understanding their simple needs for sun and good drainage, you can easily cultivate a garden that captures the spirit of lavender. These resilient lookalikes prove that you can enjoy this classic look with much more success and far less effort.

Express your care with a bouquet. A flower delivery in Singapore is a convenient way of sending your message. 

Send us a message for any enquiry about lavender or any other flower that piques your interest. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Flowers That Look Like Lavender

What Flower Is Mistaken for Lavender?

The plant most frequently mistaken for lavender is Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia). This is due to its tall purple flower spikes, silvery foliage, and similar shrub-like growth habit. Meadow Sage (Salvia) and Catmint (Nepeta) are also common lookalikes.

What Plant Looks Like Lavender but Smells Different?

Several plants fit this description. Anise Hyssop (Agastache) is a great example; it has purple flower spikes but smells strongly of liquorice or anise. Russian Sage is another, offering a clean, sage-like scent instead of lavender's floral aroma.

Is There a Flower That Looks Like Lavender?

Yes, absolutely. There are many flowers that share a similar appearance to lavender. This article details 11 excellent options, with Russian Sage, Meadow Sage (Salvia), and Catmint being some of the most popular and visually convincing alternatives available.

What Is the Difference Between Lavender and Russian Sage?

The main differences are in their size, foliage, and scent. Russian Sage is a significantly larger and more airy plant, often growing over a metre tall. Its leaves are serrated and silvery, and it has a herbaceous, sage-like smell. Lavender is generally more compact, with smooth, needle-like leaves and its signature sweet, floral fragrance.

What Looks Like Lavender but Is Easier to Grow?

Catmint (Nepeta) is widely considered one of the easiest and most forgiving lavender alternatives. It is very adaptable to different soil types (as long as they drain well), is highly drought-tolerant once established, and blooms profusely over a long season with very little maintenance.

Is Catmint the Same as Lavender?

No, they are different plants from separate genera, although both belong to the larger mint family (Lamiaceae). Catmint (genus Nepeta) typically has soft, heart-shaped leaves and a minty scent. Lavender (genus Lavandula) has narrow, often silvery leaves and a distinct floral scent. Their growth habits and overall textures are also quite different.