Have you ever seen plants that look like rosemary? If not, it’s time to change that. The awesome thing about these little beauties is that they actually smell like rosemary too!
If you’re looking to add some variety to your plants, or are just plain curious about these unique beauties, keep reading to learn more about the plants that look like rosemary.
You may be surprised at how many different types there are and how diverse they all are! This article will help you better understand and appreciate these special plants in your home and garden.
8 Plants That Look Like Rosemary | The Unusual Beauty
1. Rosemary
Though rosemary is an incredibly popular herb, few people know that there are actually a number of plants that share its unique look. From the closely related lavender to the more distantly related lamb’s ear, these plants all have a certain something that makes them look like rosemary.
And while they may not be as fragrant or flavorful, they still make for beautiful (and unusual) additions to any garden. They also offer some different benefits.
Lavender, for example, has been shown to help reduce anxiety and provide relief from symptoms of depression. Lamb’s ear offers similar therapeutic benefits and is also useful in treating minor skin irritations.
How to grow?
Most varieties prefer well-drained soil with plenty of sun, though you can also find varieties that can tolerate less-than-ideal conditions, such as shade or moist soil.
You can divide your plant during the dormant season by digging up around it with a shovel and prying it out by hand (which works best if it hasn’t grown too large) or simply cutting through the root ball at ground level with a sharp knife.
When you replant your cuttings, water generously to encourage new growth. Planting your sprigs closer together will allow them to support each other and prevent the wind from blowing over small seedlings.
Finally, give your herbs adequate space, so they don’t choke each other out. They’ll need about six feet between each individual plant when planted outdoors or about three feet when planting indoors near a window.
2. Virginia Mountain Mint
If you’re looking for a plant that looks like rosemary but has a bit more of an unusual twist, you might want to consider Virginia mountain mint. This plant is native to the mountains of Virginia, and it gets its name from its minty-scented leaves.
The leaves are also edible and can be used in cooking or as a garnish. Virginia mountain mint is a beautiful plant with white or purple flowers that bloom in the summer. In addition to being easy to grow, it is relatively drought tolerant once established.
It does well in USDA zones 3 through 8 and does not need much water. It’s best to place this plant near other flowering plants so that bees visit your garden.
How to grow?
They prefer dry soil and low maintenance care, which means they don’t require regular watering. They do best in full sun to partial shade; however, they can tolerate some shade, especially during the hotter months of summer. When eaten raw, these plants have a very strong flavor, which most people either love or hate! However, they do provide plenty of health benefits such as vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
3. Narrowleaf Mountain Mint
Mountain mint is a perennial herb that grows to be about 2-3 feet tall. It has a unique aroma, and its leaves are a deep green color. The plant blooms in the summer with small, white flowers. In autumn, the leaves change colors from bright green to reds and purples.
In winter, it remains brown until spring, when it will bloom again. Its scientific name is Pycnanthemum muticum. The plant was given this name because of the narrow leaf margins, which look like rosemary. It thrives in dry, sunny environments and can grow on steep slopes or hillsides.
The Narrowleaf Mountain Mint grows best at elevations between 5,000 – 9,000 feet. It can also survive in semi-shaded areas but prefers full sun. The mountain mint does not need much water but requires moist soil during droughts so as not to die completely.
How to grow?
If you live near an area where mountain mint naturally occurs, then all you have to do is just go outside and pick some. If you do not live near an area where the plant naturally occurs, then you can try growing them in pots by placing them in well-drained soil and keeping them watered regularly.
Most people would have trouble growing these plants indoors unless they have access to a greenhouse or light therapy room because they need sunlight for 12 hours each day. There are wide other varieties of herbs that resemble rosemary, including lavender, basil, thyme, oregano, and even parsley. These plants can be used for cooking purposes as well as garnishing dishes.
4. Canadian Horseweed
There’s something magical about a plant that looks like rosemary. Perhaps it’s the way they seem to hold the promise of aromatic culinary adventures. Or maybe it’s their unique ability to evoke a feeling of both familiarity and mystery.
Whatever the reason, these plants are sure to add a touch of intrigue to any garden. In fact, if you don’t have room for one in your backyard or nearby natural area, consider making space for one in your home. They make great indoor plants as well!
How to grow? These herbs need full sun, moist soil, and plenty of water. Be sure to trim the stems regularly so that they stay bushy. Cut back on watering during winter dormancy; new growth should resume in springtime with warmer temperatures.
Plant near an east-facing window for optimal light exposure. Horseweed will start flowering in late summer and produce seeds in autumn. To prolong its life cycle, try dividing horseweed every 3-4 years.
5. Dog Fennel
The other day, I was out for a walk when I noticed a plant that looked a lot like rosemary. But upon closer inspection, I realized it was actually dog fennel! The leaves are serrated and lance-shaped, but they are much smaller than those of most other plants in the same family.
It’s also said to have a sweet smell with licorice undertones. It may not be as showy as some flowers, but this herb is still lovely to look at and smells great too! And who knows? Maybe it will grow into something even more beautiful if we take care of it!
How to grow?
If you want to try growing your own dog fennel, you can find seedlings at garden centers or buy seeds online (though there’s always the risk that your seeds won’t germinate). If you’re unsure what zone you live in, buy a pack from Burpee Seeds. They offer hardiness zones on their website, so you can pick which one works best for your location.
You’ll need about three feet between plants and about four feet between rows for good air circulation. And don’t forget to water frequently enough – because the roots are shallow, drought stress can lead to death quickly. If you follow these guidelines, you should be able to harvest fennel by mid-summer.
6. Russian Sage (Perovskia Atriplicifolia)
There’s something special about plants that look like rosemary. Maybe it’s how they seem to hold onto their leaves or how their flowers bloom in clusters. Whatever the reason, Russian sage (Perovskia Atriplicifolia) is a plant that always catches my eye.
Its branches are lined with elongated green and purple leaves, which can grow up to two feet long. The fuzzy hairs on its stems make this plant feel especially soft when you touch it. It blooms in small white and blue-purple blooms from midsummer to early fall.
It has an upright habit, making it perfect for adding height and texture near the front of your garden bed. I love how dramatic this hardy perennial looks as part of a mixed planting alongside yellow perennials such as calendula and lavender!
How to grow?
Plant them in full sun and be sure to water regularly. Once established, Russian Sage should require little care other than pruning dead wood and leaves during spring. What does it do for my garden?
These shrubs provide excellent cover for ground-dwelling pollinators such as honeybees and butterflies that need nectar sources nearby. Still, they may not be able to fly high enough into taller flower beds without assistance.
They also have a tough constitution, so they can help protect more delicate plants from harsh weather conditions during the winter months.
7. Lavender (Lavender Angustifolia)
Lavender is a popular plant for its fragrant smell and pretty purple flowers. But did you know that other plants look like lavender? These plants, often called lavender look-alikes, can be just as beautiful and fragrant as the real thing.
One type of lavender look-alike is rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Rosemary is an evergreen shrub with fragrant, needle-like leaves. It also has blue or white flowers on top of its woody stems.
Another lavender look-alike is sage (Salvia officinalis). Sage looks very similar to rosemary in shape, but instead of needles, it has broad leaves which can vary in color from light green to deep purple. Sage also has pink or white flowers on top of its stem!
8. American Pennyroyal (Hedeoma Pulegioides)
Do you love the smell of rosemary but can’t stand the taste? Then you’ll love American penny royals! This plant looks just like rosemary, but it’s actually in the mint family. And while it has a strong fragrance, it’s not nearly as intense as rosemary. If that weren’t enough to convince you, try chewing on some leaves-they have no flavor!
For those who are concerned about pesticides and herbicides, this is one of the safest plants to grow. It thrives in low light conditions and prefers dry soil, so no worries about watering or overfeeding either. Just keep an eye out for pests-penny royals that are often attacked by slugs and snails.
How to grow?
Place your pot outdoors during warmer months (approximately April to October) and indoors during cooler months (November to March). Be careful when choosing which pots to place outside-some. Plants can be sensitive to frost damage.
Check with your local garden center before making any decisions. The best time for harvesting pennyroyal is mid-August when the oils are at their peak level and will give off a pleasant scent after drying.
Conclusion
Though they may not be true rosemary plants, these look-alikes offer their own unique form of beauty. Their fragrant leaves and colorful blooms make them a welcome addition to any garden, and their ability to thrive in a variety of climates makes them versatile as well. If you’re looking for a plant with all the beauty of rosemary but its unique twist, look no further than these fascinating plants.
