Texas Sage (Leucophyllum Frutescens)

Texas Sage is an ornamental shrub native to Texas and other southwestern regions of the United States, including parts of Mexico. It belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae. This is is a compact, evergreen shrub. It grows well in containers, as well as garden beds and borders.

The scientific name of this plant is Leucophyllum frutescens, although it has several common names including Texas rain Sage, Cenizo, Barometer Bush, Silverleaf, Purple Sage, Texas Ranger, ash-bush, wild lilac, senisa, cenicilla, palo cenizo, or hierba del cenizo.

It is drought-tolerant once established. It grows just fine in arid and semi-arid climates.

Appearance

• It grows to a height of 3 to 8 feet, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
• The plant has silvery-gray to greenish-gray leaves that are covered with fine hairs. The leaves are small, narrow, and have an aromatic scent when crushed.
• During the growing season, the plant may produce tubular flowers in colors, including shades of purple, lavender, pink, and white, depending on the cultivar.

Blooming Period

• Texas Sage is known for its intermittent and often unpredictable blooming pattern, which can be triggered by environmental factors such as humidity and rainfall.
• The plant tends to bloom more prolifically after periods of rainfall, which has led to one of its common names, “Barometer Bush,” as it seems to respond to changes in atmospheric pressure.

Landscaping Uses

• The plant is well-suited for xeriscaping, which involves designing landscapes that require minimal water.
• The dense, compact growth habit of Texas Sage makes it good for creating hedges and borders. Planted closely together, the shrubs can form a natural and attractive barrier.
• Its silvery-gray foliage and occasional bursts of colorful blooms, can serve as an accent or focal point in garden designs. Planting it against a backdrop of green foliage or contrasting it with other flowering plants works just fine.
• It is also particularly well-suited for gardens with a desert or Mediterranean theme. Its silver-gray leaves can complement the color palette of these landscape styles.
• The deep root system of Texas Sage can help stabilize soil, and thus it is effective for planting on slopes and areas prone to erosion.
• The plant can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies when it produces its tubular flowers. Incorporating it into wildlife-friendly gardens can contribute to biodiversity and support the local ecosystem.

Growing Conditions: How to grow and care