Texas Sage
The Texas sage is a native of the Chihuahuan desert in Texas, New Mexico and northern Mexico. It is known as Texas Ranger or Silverleaf. This plant does well in the rugged conditions of the southwest. It has gained some popularity in the southeastern U.S., however is more susceptible to root rot in this humid location. This evergreen shrub is a member of the Scrophulariaceae family and it's genus name Leucophyllum means white-leaf. It is a low maintenance plant that will care for itself after some intial water supplements. It does not like artificial fertilizers, in fact the plant will bloom better if it is kept hungry.
Size: 5-8' tall, 4-6' wide -- Slow growth rate.
Habit: compactly rounded
Hardiness: Zone: 8 to 9(?)
Leaf: 1/2-1", obovate, silvery pubescense
Flower: 1" Bell shaped, rose,purple,white. Completely covers plant for a week in the summer.
Culture: Low humidity, very well-drained soil, acid or high pH soil, full sun, wind tolerant
Disease/Insects: Just Root rot.
Landscape Value: It's abundant flower display and silver foliage makes this plant a fine addition to any southwestern landscape. It is best used as a border or low screen, is also a good accent plant in perennial/wildflower beds.
Cultivars:
'White Cloud' and 'Alba'- White flowers
'Green Cloud' - Green Foliage
'Compactum' - smaller habit, pink flower
'Rain Cloud' - Violet-blue flower
'Thunder Cloud' - abundant purple flowers, drought tolerant
'Sierra Bouquet' - very silver foliage, lavender-blue flowers
Propagation: Take 4" inch cuttings of new growth after flowering in summer. Put cuttings in a 50/50 mix of perlite and sphagnum peat. Make sure the growing medium does not remain too soggy.. Rooting will take place in about 4 weeks. Plants can be started by seed but the stock will vary greatly. Lightly press, not cover, seeds in a moist medium, germination will be in 4 weeks.
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