What is the common name for Leucophyllum frutescens?
Leucophyllum frutescens, commonly called Texas sage, silver leaf or barometer bush, is a compact but loosely branched shrub that typically grows to 5-8′ tall. Plants tend to sprawl with age unless pruned as needed. Compact Texas Sage is a charming shrub that can grow up to 5 feet tall and wide. Its low canopy makes it perfect for planting under power lines. This lovely plant grows at a moderate pace and, with the right care, can live for over 40 years!Texas Sage or ‘Lowrey’s Legacy’ is a general-purpose shrub where a touch of silvery foliage is desired; other uses include as a foundation shrub, in island plantings, xeriscapes or in mixed borders; with appropriate substrate, it can be used in containers on sunny patios.The stems are green at first but become woody in the second year. It tends to be a short-lived perennial and is often best replaced every few years. Common sage blooms in early summer.Once established, the Texas Sage is extremely drought tolerant, requires very little supplemental water, and will bloom after a good rain storm. Don’t try to trick it into blooming by watering heavily–it won’t work. After a week or two, the blooms will fall off, but the silver gray-green leaves stay year round.
How often should Leucophyllum be watered?
Frequency: Once established, Texas sages are drought tolerant and require minimal irrigation. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Frequency During Establishment: During the first few weeks after planting, water your Texas Sage more regularly to encourage root development. Grow Texas sage in a spot with full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun each day). This sun-loving plant will tolerate part shade (areas with morning shade and afternoon sun), but is more likely to grow lanky and bloom less.Sage can be grown indoors if it receives enough light. It will need at least 6 hours of direct light from a window or 12 hours of supplemental light.
How to care for leucophyllum frutescens?
Plant Texas Sage in a location that receives full sun (at least 6 hours daily) and has well-draining soil. Ideal spots include rock gardens, xeriscapes, and borders. It’s perfect for hot, arid regions and can also be used as a hedge or specimen plant. Temperature And Humidity Texas sage grows wild in Texas and other areas of the Southwest with low moisture and humidity. It is both heat- and cold-tolerant to 12ºF, and it thrives in extreme heat. It may lose some leaves during cold weather.However, in the humid climes of zones 9 and farther south, sage is usually an annual, as it does not easily tolerate summer heat and humidity. Set out plants in spring or fall, planting seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart. Choose a sunny spot in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.Early spring is a good time to cut back sage. If the leaves are cut before winter, the plant might have difficulty to get through the winter time. Now, in February, the shoots can be cut back to about 5 cm. After pruning, when the weather improves, the sage will get new sprouts and grow bushier.