Something that looks a bit like lavender to soften the edge of steps but……

[Thatwaskindoffun]

I have some steps bordered by a sloping lawn and between the lawn and the steps I want to plant something that flowers for a long period in the summer. Love lavender but have heavy clay so it just won’t work.

Not sure what else would work in full sun heavy clay but a very rainy west wales.

Would love some suggestions, thanks.

Gaura! Mine has been flowering for months, pinks and whites, has a similar height and sway of lavender. Mine are all in clay and are thriving. (Oenothera lindheimeri Gaura)

I googled lavender like plant for clay soil and nepeta came up, particularly this one, Nepeta racemosa ‘Walkers Low’ , as it's very similar to lavender

https://www.hardysplants.co.uk/wildlife-friendly-gardening/clay-adapting-to-less-than-perfect-soil-conditions#:~:text=Let%20me%20introduce%20you%20to,back%20up%20in%20the%20spring.

Came on to say catmint . have planted it in our clay soil and it’s gone crazy, it looks beautiful.

My lavender obviously doesn't know it's not supposed to grow in heavy clay.
Whack some gravel in, it'll be fine.

I am on very heavy clay and have a very happy prostrate rosemary, it's what I came on here to suggest.
I also wish I could have lavender but alas, it's never survived.
I also have plenty of Erigeron which I also love.

You could try Santolina chamaecyparissus AKA Cotton Lavender although you would need to improve the drainage if your clay has a tendency to hold water excessively. Aromatic foliage, not dissimilar to lavender in colour and a long flowering period

Campanula seems to do well against the wall of my house, clay soil , rainy west of Northern Ireland

Yes, a Salvia Nachtvlinder is kind of skinny in a lavender way. And sticks up. Although still proper leaves and a dark purple.

I second Erigeron karvinskianus. So pretty!

Came here to say this, one of my favourites,there's a reason it's planted in so many National Trust gardens/ steps.

Lurking for ideas

Geranium Orion

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/137507/geranium-orion/details