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If you have ever seen wildflower gardens you could possibly have recognised sage and lavender as both are very popular in this type of setting.
They are often mistaken as there are similarities between the two. On closer examination, however, you will see that the two are very different in many ways.
Russian Sage is a species of the genus called Salvia. Many years ago, Russian Sage was called Perovskia atriplicifolia.
It is mainly found in Asia, in areas such as China and Pakistan although these days it is found in many other parts of the world.
Russian Sage is less common in Eastern Europe and grows well in mountainous areas where there is good drainage and full sun.
Lavender comes from the genus Lavandula, and we mostly know it as one of three types, namely:
- English lavender
- Spanish lavender
- French lavender
You will frequently find lavender in the Mediterranean area and like Russian Sage it loves the sun and well-drained soil.
Knowing a little about both plants will ensure that you choose the right one for that special spot in your garden.
Lavender vs Russian Sage – What are the Similarities?
Growth Speed
Both plants are fast growers, and both will need to be chopped back at the end of the season. Ideally you should do this before the first spurt of new growth and not in the middle of the blooming season.
Lavender does not always respond well to being chopped back so best to leave this until the spring.
Soil Needs
For Russian Sage to do well the soil pH needs to be between 7.0 and 8.0. This is the same soil requirement for Lavender. For both plants the soil needs to be well draining.
Neither Russian Sage nor Lavender will do well in boggy soil or where water has been allowed to accumulate without draining away. In instances like this, both plants will develop root rot and may die.
These plants do not like being around stagnant water either, so make sure that if they are in pots there is no standing water near them.
Sun
Both plants need full sun to grow well. While both will tolerate partial shade conditions, they prefer to be in full sun.
If they do not have enough sun, such as being planted under trees, they will not flower well, if at all.
Watering
In drought conditions both plants need to be watered about every ten days. Both plants can tolerate drought well although they will thank you for water in really dry conditions.
Pests and Diseases
Both plants can be attacked by pests, but there are different pests which prefer each plant.
Both Russian Sage and Lavender are susceptible to fungus diseases which can happen in damp conditions. This is one reason why both plants should receive as much full sun as possible.
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Lavender vs Russian Sage – What are the Differences?
Size
The mature height of Russian Sage is about 3-5’. Lavender will grow to about 2-3’ in height. The width of Russian Sage at full maturity is 2-4’ and for lavender about 4’.
Both Russian Sage and Lavender are classed as fast growers.
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. It cannot tolerate frost and the only way for it to survive is to be brought indoors in the winter.
Fortunately, English lavender is almost as hardy as Russian Sage and will survive in zones 5 – 8. English lavender can handle snow and cold temperatures.
The only thing that it will not tolerate is frosty winds so be sure to grow it in a spot where it has protection from the icy winter winds.
If your English lavender is in an area where it gets frosty, be sure to cover if at the first sign of cold weather.
Flower Colour
The main difference between Russian Sage and lavender is the colour of the blooms. Russian Sage flowers are normally blue with a hint of purple.
Lavender, on the other hand will delight you with its different coloured flowers. These can be blue, purple, pink, and even white. Every so often you may come across a lavender plant with yellow flowers.
Flower Size
Russian Sage has more inflorescences than regular lavender. This means that you will find more clusters of flowers on a branch with Russian Sage than with lavender.
The flowers of Russian Sage are also more tubular than those of lavender.
The flowers of Russian Sage tend to be more spread out up the stalk so overall they look less colourful than lavender which tends to grow and flower closer together.
Lavender flowers are also smaller than those of Russian Sage and are closer together which makes the plant look a little more colourful than the Russian Sage which has flowers more spread out up the stems.
Flowering Times
In perfect growing conditions Russian Sage will bloom in mid-summer to early October, although this is less in colder climates.
Lavender will bloom earlier than Russian Sage, typically it will start in late spring and continue until the end of summer in zone 8.
Because Lavender can tolerate lower temperatures than Russian Sage it does not only bloom in warm times, hence it starts early, and continues on through the year.
This is one reason why these two plants are often paired up with each other. One starts early and the other ends flowering later so you have a wonderful profusion of flowers through a long season.
Smell
Probably the most noticeable difference between these two plants is the smell and here the lavender wins hands down over the Russian Sage.
Lavender has the typical lavender smell which is so familiar in perfumes and potpourri sachets which are often placed in clothing drawers to keep them smelling fresh.
Although some people agree that Russian Sage smells vaguely of regular sage, it is more likely that you will get a hint of mint rather than sage. This is because Russian sage is in fact of the mint family.
Russian Sage is not recommended for use in cooking even though you like the minty smell.
Plant Size
You will notice that lavender is a compact plant and slightly denser than Russian Sage. Normally it will not grow larger than around 3’ while Russian Sage can easily grow up to 5’ in height and about 4’ in width.
Leaves
This is where there is another big difference between the two plants. Russian Sage has leaves which are about 2” long and about 1” wide. They are mostly green although can be a grey/green hue.
Lavender leaves are far more elongated, and the colour is often more grey than green.
The lavender leaves also seem more plumper than those of Russian Sage and it is from the leaves that lavender oil is obtained.
Soil Needs
Russian Sage needs soil with a neutral or alkaline pH although it can cope with a pH of 6.5 – 6.8.
Lavender prefers the pH to be more alkaline than neutral although it can tolerate a pH of between 6.5 – 6.7. However, you may find that there are less flowers in this pH range.
Lavender seems to be more sensitive to soil pH than Russian Sage. You can easily adjust the pH of the soil by adding garden lime, which you can buy at any good garden centre.
It is worth remembering that regardless of the pH requirements of the plants, they both need soil which drains well and does not get boggy.
Pests and Diseases
Both plants are liable to be attacked at some times of the growing season by insects.
Russian sage is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers, and whiteflies. Although you may see these bugs on the plants, they seldom do any great harm to Russian Sage.
Lavender plants will be home for garden leaf-hoppers and four-lined plant bugs.
Russian Sage may suffer from fungus growth such as Cylindrosporium leaf spot, root rot and stem blight.
Lavender can suffer from Septoria leaf spot and woolly bear caterpillars.
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Can you Plant Russian Sage and Lavender Together?
Although there are several differences between the two plants, they can be paired together in a garden with excellent results.
Russian Sage attracts bees and butterflies while lavender, which grows lower, will cover up unsightly lower branches. Together in the blooming season they will give a wall of beautiful colour.
Lavender does not spread as rapidly and as far as Russian Sage, although neither will damage structural walls of the house if planted up against it.
A Point to Note:
As Russian Sage is a member of the mint family you should be aware that it also has mint tendencies – it spreads – a lot!
Given the right conditions, you may find runners coming up several feet away from the mother plant, which is great if you like the plant, but not if you have a strict garden setup.
If you do not want your Russian Sage to spread then you may consider planting it with a barrier around the roots which will hep to keep them in place, rather than encouraging them to spread.
Additionally, if you plant Russian Sage to close to a neighbour’s fence, it will grow under and appear in next-door’s garden, so be sure to ask before planting too close to a wall.
Lavender vs Russian Sage – Are they Poisonous?
Russian sage is considered non-toxic to pets. However, the leaves of the Russian Sage are thought to be slightly toxic to both animals and people.
Make sure that any children who touch the leaves – as with adults as well – always wash their hands thoroughly and never put fingers into their mouths.
The flowers are edible and are of a peppery flavour. Even though the leaves are toxic, they are widely used in making fragrant potpourri mixes.
Lavender is also considered toxic as the plant contains a small amount of linalool. This is toxic to both animals and humans.
Should an animal ingest the leaves or flowers they will start to vomit, develop a swollen belly and reduced appetite with a fever.
It does take a lot of lavender for this to happen. It is important that you get the animal to the vet as soon as possible.
Treatment for lavender poisoning includes administration of IV fluids, possibly oxygen, and then antihistamines.
Lavender oil
The oil of lavender, along with peppermint, orange and ginger have all been shown to be safe and effective for use on young children (over the age of 5). Lavender is particularly good in calming anxious children. It is the mildest of the essential oils.
Essential oil should not be used on babies under three months and should never be ingested by children of any age.
Before using an essential oil on a young child, you should confirm with the doctor that there will be no harmful effects.
Final Thoughts: Lavender vs Russian Sage
Although Russian Sage is in fact neither Russian nor Sage there is a place for this plant in most gardens. It is drought tolerant and easy to maintain.
Chopping it back at the end of the flowering season will keep the area neat and ensure new growth the following season.
Lavender is another plant which will grace any garden. It is also drought tolerant and low maintenance. It is more popular and well-known than Russian Sage and you will find a wider range of lavender species than Russian Sage.
Lavender plants are grown more for their aroma and commercial use in essential oils. Neither plant is grown for culinary purposes and care should be taken to keep children and animals away from both plants.
Both plants will be great attractions to a garden in the right zones and can be planted together in full sunlight. There is no reason why you should not enjoy the benefits of both plants for many years.
Before you go, here are some more related articles I encourage you to read below to help solve more of your gardening issues:
