Russian sage vs English lavender 'Hidcote'
From across the garden both are a haze of lavender-blue over grey leaves, and both want sun and lean, dry soil. Close up they are different plants. Lavender is a low evergreen shrublet that flowers in early summer and is clipped into shape. Russian sage is a woody perennial twice the height that starts later and goes on into autumn; it is now classed as a salvia, though it is still sold under its old name, Perovskia.
| Russian sage Salvia yangii (formerly Perovskia) |  English lavender 'Hidcote'Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 4 ft tall, 3 ft wide | 18 in tall, 18 in wide |
| Plant | 3 ft apart | 18 in apart |
| Zones | 4 to 9 | 5 to 8 |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Dry and sharply drained, lean fertility | Dry and sharply drained, lean fertility |
| Flowers | Mid July to mid September; lavender | Late June to late July; purple |
| Leaves | Fine, deciduous | Fine, evergreen |
| Job in a bed | Specimen | Edging |
| Pets | No toxicity recorded | Toxic (mild) |
| Deer | Resistant | Not listed as resistant |
| Native | No | No |
| Spread | Moderate risk | Low risk |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- Choose Russian sage for colder gardens (to zone 4), warmer gardens (to zone 9), a garden with pets, deer country, a longer show (10 weeks of flower against 6) and more height (4 ft against 18 in).
- Choose English lavender 'Hidcote' for leaves in winter and a smaller space (18 in against 4 ft).
Can they grow together?
Yes: they grow in the same conditions. Beside Russian sage, English lavender 'Hidcote' is in flower together for three weeks, from mid July; a low mound at the foot of its spires; low enough (18 in) to stand in front of it. They share full sun and zones 5 to 8.
Read more: all about Russian sage, and all about English lavender 'Hidcote', each with a bed the planner designed around it.