The herb that most closely resembles lavender is rosemary. It has similar foliage and produces a similar aroma, although the scent of rosemary is much more pungent. In addition to its resemblance to lavender, rosemary has small, pale blue flowers, which look very similar to those of lavender.
Rosemary is a highly aromatic and flavorful herb, with a unique flavor that comes from its high concentration of essential oils. It is often used to season dishes such as soups, stews, vegetables, roasts, and sauces.
It is also used to make herbal teas and tinctures. Rosemary has a number of health benefits, due to its antiseptic, antispasmodic, and analgesic properties. It can also be grown in containers or as a topiary to lend a delightful scent to outdoor spaces.
How can you tell the difference between Russian sage and lavender?
When it comes to closely differentiating Russian sage and lavender, there are a few distinguishing characteristics to consider. Primarily, Russian sage is a perennial shrub, whereas lavender is typically an herb compliant plant.
Russian sage will typically grow to heights of up to three feet, with numerous greyish silver stems that branch out. The leaves of Russian sage are narrow and a somewhat bluish-green color that have a slightly fuzzy texture, likely due to its hairy coating of minute ‘down’.
On the other hand, lavender is a typically petite, herb compliant plant that will rarely grow beyond a foot in height. It features slender stems frequently topping an attractive mound of fragrant, deep-green leaves.
The flowers of each plant vary greatly – lavender’s flowers offer a more single flower bloom on stalks that rise above the foliage, where Russian sage blooms are formed in closely grouped clusters, often in a bright shade of bluish-purple.
Lavender tends to have a sweet floral scent, while Russian sage offers a more refreshing, pungent aroma.
What is the difference between sage and purple sage?
Sage and Purple Sage, botanically known as Salvia officinalis and Salvia clevelandii, respectively, are both perennial plants related to the mint family. The main difference between the two is found in their appearance, habitat, and aroma.
Sage, also called common sage, is a woody, evergreen shrub that is native to the Mediterranean region and has grey-green oval-shaped leaves. It grows in dry soil and can reach heights anywhere between 2 and 5 feet.
Furthermore, it has a strong aroma and flavor, often described as having a mild, slightly musty-pine fragrance.
Purple Sage, on the other hand, is a soft-branched, deciduous shrub which is found growing in sandy, coastal climates throughout California and parts of Mexico. It stands at a much shorter height than its counterpart, reaching heights of only 1 to 3 feet.
However, it is most recognizable for its distinct purple flowers—not found on the common sage—and has a more floral aroma, with hints of citrus.
Overall, sage and purple sage are similar species but are distinguishable in their leaves, scent, and growing conditions.
How do I know if its lavender?
The best way to determine if a plant is lavender is to look for physical characteristics that are characteristic of lavender plants. The first thing to look for is the distinctive grey-green foliage, which has a silvery tone.
The leaves of lavender plants have a strongly fragrant scent when crushed, so take a leaf and rub it between your fingers to check. Another way to determine if the plant is lavender is by checking its flowers.
Lavender flowers have a distinctive purplish-blue color, while other purple flowers have more blue tones. Finally, lavender plants have a tall, branching shape, often with many side branches. When all of these characteristics are present, then it is likely that the plant is lavender.
Is any lavender toxic?
No, lavender is not toxic in any way. Although it is sometimes referred to as a “toxic plant,” this is a misnomer. Lavender is a popular herb that is used both medicinally and for its pleasant aroma.
The various species of lavender have been used for centuries for its properties as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, analgesic, sedative, and disinfectant. The oil of lavender is used in creams, lotions, and soaps, and it is also added to shampoos and other hair care items.
While lavender is generally safe to use and not toxic, there have been some reports of allergic reactions in some people, so it is best to use with caution.
Is Russian sage a type of lavender?
No, Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is not a type of lavender (Lavandula spp. ). They are two separate species, both of which are in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Russian sage is an evergreen sub-shrub native to Russia, Mongolia, and Iran, and it can reach up to 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
Its silvery-green foliage is fragrant, and it produces small, light blue flowers in the summer. Lavender is a flowering plant found in many parts of the world and is prized for its beautiful purple flowers and its fragrant scent.
It can grow up to 2-3 feet tall, and its foliage has a gray-green color with silver-gray leaves beneath.
What lavender looks like?
Lavender is a fragrant evergreen herb known for its warm, soothing scent and its rich purple hue. The plant grows in an upright clustered bush with narrow gray-green foliage, and fragrant flowers that bloom in the summer.
Lavender is most notably known for its beautiful, bright purple flower heads, but the flowers may also come in shades of white, pink, and blue. The color of the flowers depends on the variety of lavender.
Most lavender plants have a woody stem, covered with coordinating small, narrow leaves. Lavender has a sweet, yet faint scent and blooms in tones of lavender, violet, and pale pink. When the leaves are broken, they can release an even more intense version of the lavender scent.
Which lavender is not edible?
Most lavender plants are not edible, although some varieties are. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), French Lavender (Lavandula dentata), and Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) are all not considered edible, meaning you should not eat any parts of these plants.
If you’d like to create culinary dishes with lavender, you should get a culinary variety like Lavandula x intermedia, which is considered edible. With this edible form of lavender, the flowers are the only plant parts that are edible, as the stems and leaves contain a compound that is toxic and should not be ingested.
When buying lavender for cooking or baking, ensure it is labeled as a culinary variety and not just simply lavender, as the latter usually refers to the non-edible varieties.
How can you tell rosemary from lavender?
The easiest way to tell rosemary from lavender is by the leaves. Rosemary has narrow, needle-like leaves, while lavender’s leaves are a bit wider and shaped like a lance. Additionally, rosemary is a vibrant green color, while lavender is a deep green.
When it comes to the scent, rosemary has a distinctive scent, unlike lavender’s sweeter, more floral aroma. Instead, rosemary smells like a strong combination of pine and lemon, while lavender has a more subtle scent.
Finally, rosemary typically grows in slightly warmer climates, while lavender prefers cooler ones. Whoever is growing the plants should be able to tell rosemary from lavender by their growing conditions.
What are the four types of lavender?
There are four primary species of lavender, each with its own distinct characteristics.
The first type is English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). It is widely considered to be the most fragrant and popular of all lavender varieties. It is hardy, resilient and easy to grow, making it a popular choice for gardens.
The small violet-blue flower spikes reach heights of up to two feet and the aromatic foliage is gray-green. It is often used medicinally and in aromatherapy.
The second type is Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia). This lavender is similar in appearance to English Lavender, but leaves grow lower down along the stems giving the plant a bushier appearance. The flowering spikes are larger than those of English lavender and the flowers are more deeply colored.
It has a somewhat harsher aroma than English lavender.
The third type is French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas). French Lavender has a more upright form than English Lavender, making it an ideal choice for topiaries. The bright purple flowers have a distinctive “ear” shape and are much more showy than those of other varieties.
The aroma of French Lavender is sweet and pleasant.
The fourth type is Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia). It is a hybrid of English and Spike Lavender, and is more suited to a commercial environment. Its tall stalks can produce large quantities of oil, making it an ideal choice for essential oil production.
Its flowers are larger than English lavender, but not as showy as French lavender. Its scent is similar to that of English Lavender, but is slightly less sweet.
How many types of lavender plants are there?
There are approximately 39 different types of lavender plants. These include various species of both the true lavender (Lavandula) and the related Hybrid lavender (Lavandula x intermedia). The most common species include Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula stoechas, Lavandula x Intermedia, Lavandula latifolia, and Lavandula dentata.
The various lavender species vary in character and color, with some being more fragrant than others. Some varieties also produce larger blooms and are more drought tolerant. Furthermore, there are also dwarf varieties which are suitable for pot growing.
Within each species, there is also a range of varieties, such as Hidcote, Munstead, Grosso, Provence, and a range of others. Each variety may show slightly different characteristics, with some displaying different colored blooms, fragrances, and growth habit.
As such, it is possible to acquire many different varieties of each of the species, allowing individuals to find just the right lavender for their needs.
Should I deadhead lavender?
Yes, it is important to deadhead lavender periodically in order to encourage healthy growth and a more attractive, dense habit. Deadheading lavender involves removing the top sections of spent blooms.
This encourages new growth in the plants, which helps it remain lush and full, and ensures that plants will produce more blooms throughout the growing season. It also eliminates any spent flowers that can take away from the beauty of the plant.
When deadheading lavender, makes sure to select a pair of sharp secateurs or scissors and to use clean and sterilized tools. Cut off stems as close to the base of the plant as possible. Deadheading should occur regularly to ensure plants remain healthy, and more blooms can be enjoyed for a longer period of time.
Which is the strongest smelling lavender?
The Lavandula angustifolia, commonly referred to as English lavender, is generally considered to be the strongest smelling lavender out of the 45+ species of lavender. English lavender has a strong, fragrant scent and its oil is used in aromatherapy, perfumes and cosmetics.
English lavender is also popular for its ability to make a garden smell beautiful. The flowers of this type of lavender are a deep violet or blue-purple color and often have a pleasant aroma. Other lavender varieties also boast delightful aromas, but the English lavender tends to be the most pungent of the lavenders.
Which is the easiest lavender to grow?
The Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, is generally considered to be the easiest lavender to grow. English lavender has denser, finer foliage, smaller leaves, and shorter and more slender flower stalks than other varieties of lavender, and it is hardy in both hot and cold climates.
It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet tall, and will bloom heavily in late spring and summer if given full sun and well-drained, alkaline soil. The plant can also be pruned to retain a lower shape and height, and it requires little water once established.
English lavender is one of the most popular species for growing, and it’s particularly well-suited for Mediterranean-type climates.
What is similar to Russian sage?
Some other low-maintenance plants with a similar look to Russian Sage include lavender, mealy cup sage, Texas sage, purple coneflower, leucophyllum frutescens (a gray-green perennial with silver foliage), and catmint.
These plants share many of the same qualities seen in Russian Sage, such as sprawling habit and vibrant colors. For example, both lavender and Russian Sage offer a beautiful purple tone as well as an incredibly hardy form.
Similarly, mealy cup sage is an excellent alternative with its bright blue bloom and it is similarly drought tolerant, making it perfect for drier climates. Texas Sage is another great alternative with its bright purple blooms and ability to survive in hot, dry climates.
Finally, purple coneflower, leucophyllum frutescens, and catmint are all excellent options that provide vibrant colors and can easily tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Can you plant Russian sage and lavender together?
Yes, you can plant Russian sage and lavender together in the same garden bed. This is a great combination as both plants are drought-tolerant and can tolerate a variety of soil types. Both also have long blooming periods and attractive foliage.
The Russian sage will add a striking perennial structure to the flower bed, with its silver-gray stems, clusters of small purple flowers, and tall, silvery leaves. The lavender will provide a fragrant display of color and the two together create a beautiful, easy-care garden bed.
Just ensure both plants get plenty of sun, at least 6 hours a day, and well-draining soil that is on the dry side. When planted together, both will benefit from planting them about 18 to 24 inches apart.
With a bit of extra attention to soil moisture levels and regular feeding, these two plants will work together to flourish in the garden.
Does lavender go with sage?
It is possible to create a variety of interesting and attractive color combinations using lavender and sage. These colors can appear together in a wide range of combinations, from soft monochromatic hues to bold and vibrant schemes that contain multiple accents.
A modern lavender and sage color palette can be stylish and chic for a living room, bedroom, bathroom, or any space. For those looking to introduce one or both colors in a subtle way, the pairing can look great alongside neutrals like gray, taupe, and white.
There are also plenty of possibilities to create more bold looks with this combination. Some examples include a lavender and sage combination with gold, silver, and black accents, a deep indigo with sage, and a bright yellow with lavender and sage accents.
Ultimately, lavender and sage can be used in a variety of ways to create a range of aesthetically pleasing color schemes.
What does burning sage and lavender do?
Burning sage and lavender serve many purposes and is a practice that has been around for centuries. The smoke from the burning of these herbs is thought to act as a powerful purifier of the air, providing mental, physical and spiritual healing.
It is believed that those who burn these herbs can help clear negative energy from a space, inviting in positive energy and good vibes. Burning sage and lavender has also been said to promote relaxation and help reduce stress and anxiety.
This can be beneficial for those who struggle with sleeping as the calming aroma from burning these herbs can help promote feelings of comfort and rest. Additionally, the help to permanently reduce the growth of bacteria and fungi, preventing the spread of germs or infection in a space and providing improved air quality.
How do you make sage and lavender bundles?
Making sage and lavender bundles is an easy and enjoyable way to create and preserve an environment of relaxation and calm in your home. You will need a few supplies to make them, including : sage and lavender sprigs, twine or ribbon, and scissors or clippers.
To begin, choose bundles of sage and lavender sprigs that are in the same length and thickness. Gather the end of the sprigs together and tie them with twine or ribbon, making sure the binder is secure.
Cut off any excess string and trim your bundle to the desired length. You can also add other ingredients like herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves for a nice scent. Once your bundle is complete, it’s time to use it! Place it near an open window or even in your bathroom.
The scent will fill the room, creating a peaceful and calming atmosphere. You can also render a more powerful scent by drying the bundle in the oven or even placing them in the sun. Have fun playing around with ideas to make your own personalized bundles and make your home a cozy and uplifting environment for you and your family.