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Is Russian Sage the same as lavender?

Author

Daniel Moore

Published Jan 21, 2026

The main difference between Russian sage and Lavender is the color of the flowers. Russian sage flowers are blue with a slight purple hue whereas Lavender flowers can be blue, purple, or even white. Russian sage also has larger inflorescences than Lavender.

Is Russian sage a type of lavender?

Lavender and Russian Sage are separate species that come from different Genus. The easiest way to tell the difference between them is to examine the flowers. Russian Sage has a tubular flower that is characteristic of the saliva genus, whereas Lavender does not, see images below.

Does Russian sage smell like lavender?

Depending on the location of the plant, where the foliage is borne, and the variety, the leaf edges may have a serrated or wavy edge. All parts of the Russian sage plant are quite fragrant when rubbed or crushed. Some people describe it as a sage-like smell, sometimes mixed with lavender scents as well.

Is sage and lavender the same thing?

Not only is its second name the same as our favorite flower, these two plants are part of the same family and look alike. Indeed, the flowers of this sage are also a bright purple (and that's what charmed us!). And its foliage resembles those of lavender by its narrow and long leaves.

What is another name for Russian sage?

Russian sage (Salvia yangii, also known as Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant sub-shrub that is often grown as a perennial.

34 related questions found

What is Russian sage good for?

Russian Sage

Steep sage leaves in hot water for 15-30 minutes to create a medicinal tea that can help relieve stomach pain and indigestion. Tea made from Russian sage can also help break a fever. Herbalists recommend letting the tea cool, then soaking it up with a towel and using it as a compress for the forehead.

How do I identify Russian sage?

Russian Sage differentiates from Salvia with its fern-like foliage. It grows quite long and will spread out low, hanging heavy towards the ground. Size & Growth: Russian Sage is shrub-like, with woody stems, and matures to about 3 feet tall and about 3 or more feet wide!

Which is better Russian sage or lavender?

Also, lavender leaves are juicier than Russian sage and very fragrant if crushed. Russian sage leaves are also fragrant but still not as intense as lavender. Because of the leaves, which contain a lot of essential oil, lavender is highly prized.

Is Russian sage catmint?

Catmint is about half the size of the Russian Sage. Also, Catmint has a thinner inflorescence whereas Russian Sage has a more voluminous inflorescence. Russian Sage has blue or purple flowers and Catmint can bloom in blue, white, or pink. In addition, Catmint is hardy than Russian Sage.

Can you plant Russian sage and lavender together?

Russian sage attracts butterflies and bees and is dramatic as an unsung cut flower. Combines perfectly with other low water plants like lavender, sedum, and ornamental grasses, even pairs nicely with bold leafed succulents like large agaves and aloes.

Does Russian sage keep mosquitoes away?

Both Russian Sage and Lemon Verbena are known for cooking, but they have distinct smells that keep mosquitoes away. Lavender is also popular, especially for indoors, but Gaskins said it also serves as a repellent.

Are there different types of Russian sage?

There are seven species of Perovskia, but P. atriplicifolia is the only one commonly available. [There is some confusion in the nursery trade, and plants sold as this species may actually be a hybrid between P.

Is Russian sage invasive?

Russian sageshould be very near the top of that list for all that it adds to the landscape – color, texture, pollinators and presence. Though it isn't a native plant, it is not invasive and will stay where you plant it for many years – as long as you give it the well-drained conditions it needs.

What plants are similar to Russian sage?

Blue mist spirea has very similar flower color and timing to Russian Sage. However, it lacks its sprawling and uneven habit and though it will occasionally come up from seed it does not spread nearly as aggressively.

Which is easier to grow Russian sage or lavender?

Hardiness Zones

Russian Sage will do well in zones 5-9 while lavender grows well in zones 5-7. Russian Sage is far hardier that lavender and will not need protection in the winter months. French lavender simply cannot be grown in anything north of zone 7.

Is Russian sage poisonous to dogs?

8. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a great fall plant. And thankfully, these pretty, purple plants are not considered toxic to pets.

What is the difference between Catmint and lavender?

Although there are some differences among species, most species of lavender have narrow, dark green to gray-green leaves. Catmint's heart-shaped, gray-green leaves have a scalloped edge. Catmint begins blooming in late spring and continues through early summer. Lavender blooms appear from early through midsummer.

How big does a Russian Sage plant get?

Growth Habit: Russian sage is a tall plant, 3-5 feet in height with a spread of 2-3 feet. Gray-green foliage is reminiscent of lavender, as is the color of the flowers borne on tall panicles that have an airy, textured feel. Plants create a woody base over time that should be cut back in early spring.

Is there a dwarf Russian Sage?

Lacy Blue Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia Lacey Blue) is a true dwarf cultivar discovered in an English garden and just recently introduced to the US. Its smaller size makes it very useful when space is an issue and a smaller version of Russian Sage is required. Drought resistant/drought tolerant plant (xeric).

Do you trim Russian sage?

Pruning is an important part of Russian sage maintenance. If you don't prune Russian sage, the plant will become very overgrown and woody, which doesn't look very nice.

Is Russian lavender a perennial?

'Denim 'n Lace' Russian Sage

'Denim 'n Lace' (Perovskia atriplicifolia) tames the tall and floppy growth of traditional Russian sage with a compact 28- to 32-inch height. It's hardy in Zones 4-9. Drought tolerant and low maintenance, Russian sage is a no-fuss perennial that brings on the color all season long.

Do you cut back Russian sage for winter?

At the end of the flowering season in cold regions, when flowers have faded and a killing frost has occurred, clip Russian sage stems back to 18 inches. Or skip this pruning and leave stems intact through winter to add interest to winter garden scenery.

What does Russian sage look like before it blooms?

Plant Description

Foliage: Russian sage grows as a many stemmed clump. The foliage is finely cut gray-green leaves that are slightly scented. Flowers: Each stem ends with long, thin flower panicles. When fully in bloom it looks like a lavender-blue haze.

Does Russian sage come back every year?

Russian Sage Plant Description

Russian sage belongs to a class of shrubs called subshrubs. New growth comes each year from a woody base, and flowering is on the new growth. Remove the old growth, which usually dies back in winter, in early spring. Plants grow 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide.