Both Russian sage and lavender are popular herbs that have a long history of use in cooking and medicine. They are both members of the mint family, and they have a similar appearance.
From a distance, they both have beautiful blue-purple flowers and silver-green foliage. But do they come from the same species?
The answer is no. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is native to the mountains of central Asia, while lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is native to the Mediterranean region.
Despite their different origins, they have both been naturalized in many parts of the world and are now grown as ornamental plants, other than their various uses in cooking and medicine.
They both come from a different Genus, with Russian sage being a member of the genus Perovskia, and lavender is a member of the genus Lavandula.
Russian Sage Characteristics
The Russian sage plant is a striking and hardy addition to any garden. Its lilac-colored blooms are a stunning contrast to its silver-green foliage. But the Russian sage isn’t just a pretty face – it’s a hardy plant that can withstand even the harshest conditions.
This herbaceous perennial is a member of the mint family and is native to the mountains of central Asia. It was first introduced into North America in the late 1800s as an ornamental plant.
The Russian sage can grow up to four feet tall and three feet wide, with a woody base and branches that are covered in small, oblong leaves. The flowers of the Russian sage are borne in dense spikes that can be up to 18 inches long.
They bloom from late summer to early fall and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
As a drought-tolerant plant that does not require much maintenance, it is also resistant to deer and rabbits. The Russian sage is an ideal plant for xeriscaping or any other type of low-water garden.
Lavender Characteristics
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a member of the mint family and is native to the Mediterranean region. It has been naturalized in many parts of the world and is now grown as an ornamental plant.
The lavender plant is a small shrub that can grow up to three feet tall and two feet wide. It has narrow, green leaves and violet-colored flowers that are borne in spikes. The lavender plant blooms from late spring to early summer.
The flowers and leaves of the lavender plant are used to flavor some foods and drinks, such as ice cream, jelly, and herbal tea. The oil of the lavender plant is also used in aromatherapy.
Lavender is also a drought-tolerant plant that does not require much maintenance and can grow in poor, dry soils.
How are Russian Sage and Lavender Different?
So, now that we know a little bit about both Russian sage and lavender, let’s take a closer look at how they differ.
- Russian sage grows taller and wider than lavender, usually reaching about four feet in height and width. Lavender, on the other hand, is smaller and more compact, growing to be about three feet tall and wide.
- When it comes to color, Russian sage features deep blue or purple flowers, while lavender has a more violet hue.
- The leaves of Russian sage are also darker than those of lavender.
- Lavender is a more drought-tolerant plant than Russian sage and can even tolerate saltier soil conditions. On the other hand, Russian sage requires regular watering and does not do well in overly wet or damp conditions.
- Finally, Russian sage blooms later in the season than lavender, with flowers appearing in late summer or early fall. Lavender typically blooms in mid to late spring.
How are Russian Sage and Lavender Similar
These two plants have more similarities than you can imagine, and some of these are:
- Both plants belong to the mint family.
- They have a similar appearance, with beautiful blue-purple flowers and silver-green foliage.
- They are both drought-tolerant plants that do not require much maintenance.
- Both can be used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
How to Differentiate Russian Sage from Lavender?
To the untrained eye, Russian sage and lavender may look fairly similar. Both plants have slender, grey-green leaves and delicate blue flowers. However, there are a few key differences that can help you correctly identify each plant.
Size
When trying to differentiate Russian sage from lavender, one of the easiest ways is by size. Lavender typically grows to be about two feet tall, with thin, delicate leaves. In contrast, Russian sage can grow up to four feet tall and has much broader leaves.
The difference in size is likely due to the different climates in which they grow – lavender originates in Mediterranean countries, where the climate is milder, while Russian sage is native to the steppes of Central Asia, where it has to adapt to harsh conditions such as high winds and intense sunlight.
Color
Another way to differentiate Russian sage from lavender is by color. Lavender plants are usually a deep purple color, while Russian sage tends to be more blue-ish.
This is due to the different compounds that are present in the two plants – lavender contains more linalool, which gives it a sweeter scent, while Russian sage contains more camphor, which gives it a more medicinal smell.
The different colors can also be helpful in terms of identification – if you’re looking for a plant to use in cooking, for example, lavender would be the better choice as it will impart a sweeter flavor.
Texture
Russian sage leaves are rough and slightly furry to the touch, while lavender leaves are smooth and silky. Russian sage’s leaves, when touched, can release a small amount of oil that can cause skin irritation in some people. When you touch lavender leaves, on the other hand, you should be able to feel a small amount of powdery residue.
This difference is due to the different compounds that are present in the two plants – Russian sage leaves contain more camphor, which gives them a slightly rougher texture, while lavender leaves contain more linalool, which makes them smoother.
Scent
Russian sage seems to lack that distinctive scent that we associate with lavender. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to catch a whiff of Russian sage, you’ll never forget it. The plant’s distinctively pungent aroma has been described as smelling like sage, lavender, and rosemary, all rolled into one.
Not surprisingly, this fragrance is one of the main ways to tell Russian sage apart from lavender. While both plants have incredibly fragrant flowers, lavender’s scent is more floral and sweet, while Russian sage has a more savory, herbaceous smell.
Lavender’s scent is often associated with shampoos, bath and shower gels, and soaps. Russian sage’s scent, on the other hand, is more often associated with mosquito repellents and mothballs.
Russian sage vs lavender: Final Thoughts
While lavender and Russian sage may seem identical at first glance, these two plants are different in terms of size, color, texture, and scent. Russian sage is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions, while lavender requires well-drained soil and regular watering.
Both plants produce beautiful flowers, but lavender blooms are more fragrant. In terms of height, Russian sage tends to be taller than lavender.
Finally, while both plants are popular choices for gardens, Russian sage is more adaptable to colder climates.
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