Silverleaf Leucophyllum frutescens

Texas sage is a low maintenance, perennial, evergreen, desert shrub in the figwort family and native to Texas and Mexico. It is a seasonal bloomer with a compact, loosely branched form typically reaching 6 to 12 feet in height at maturity, with an equal spread. The showy, bright pink to purple flowers blossom in batches throughout the summer and fall, each batch lasting several days. The blossom episodes seem to occur whenever a change in humidity detects the oncoming presence of rainfall. The leaves are covered with silvery hairs, giving the plant the common name Silveleaf.

This shrub prefers full sun and tolerates conservative watering and low humidity. It has excellent tolerance for drought and heat, but humidity and high night temperatures can be a problem. This plant is moderately salt tolerant. Do not fertilize plants. Once established, plants require minimal maintenance.

Texas sage works well as a hedge, foundation planting or in a container on a patio. It can be pruned to shape, keeping in mind that the flowers bloom on new wood. It propagates by seed or cuttings. There are many cultivars of this plant available and the species, in general, is a popular, water conserving, ornamental in the Southwest United States. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 

No serious insect or disease problems. Avoid over watering or poorly-drained soils that can lead to cotton root rot. In areas of high rainfall, consider the use of raised beds.