Texas Sage, Texas Ranger, Barometer Bush
leucophyllum frutescens
Also known as: ["Texas Sage","Texas Ranger","Barometer Bush"]
Overview
A drought-tolerant evergreen shrub native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, known for its silvery foliage and lavender flowers that bloom after rain.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Scrophulariaceae |
| Genus: | Leucophyllum |
| Botanical Name: | Leucophyllum frutescens |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: xeriscaped garden or rock garden, outdoor planting in warm climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–45°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years to rejuvenate growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but blooms less.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually over 1–2 weeks; protect from intense midday sun in summer if grown in containers; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is essential for blooms; rotate container plants for even growth; avoid deep shade.
Watering
every 7–14 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 7.0–8.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with sand or perlite if necessary.
Temperature
Thrives in hot, arid conditions; ideal range 70–90°F (21–32°C); tolerates temperatures down to 10°F (-12°C) but may suffer leaf drop.
Protect from frost; water deeply in heat; adjust care by season.
Fertilizing
every 3–4 months with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only in spring; avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the plant; use a cactus or succulent-specific fertilizer for best results.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings; seeds are less common and slower to germinate.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F), humid, and bright but indirect light; protect from direct sun until roots develop.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may form in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot within 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use fresh cuttings; keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to encourage denser growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or overgrown branches; best done after flowering or in late winter/early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), gloves.
Checklist
Prune after flowering; sterilize tools; remove dead or crossing branches; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot only when root-bound or every 2–3 years; prefers slightly crowded roots.
Checklist
Check for root-bound roots; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure water drains away from the plant to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during spring and fall; reduce to once a month in winter; increase to twice a week in summer if rainfall is scarce.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting or stunted growth in excessive heat without water.
Cold Stress
Leaves may drop, and growth may slow or stop; prolonged cold can damage branches or kill the plant if temperatures drop below 10°F (-12°C).
Solution: Provide wind protection in winter; avoid planting in low-lying areas where cold air settles; mulch around the base to insulate roots.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt or scorch if watered improperly in intense heat; growth may slow if water demand is not met.
Solution: Water deeply in the morning; provide some afternoon shade if possible; ensure good air circulation to reduce heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize in spring only; use balanced fertilizer; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter; dilute liquid fertilizers to half-strength if used.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicLeucophyllum frutescens is not toxic to cats. The plant does not produce any known toxic effects or physiological impacts on feline health when ingested or touched.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicLeucophyllum frutescens is not toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects on canine health when the plant is ingested or touched.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicLeucophyllum frutescens, commonly known as Texas Sage, is not considered toxic to humans. The plant has no known toxic effects or physiological impacts when ingested or touched.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does my Texas Sage not bloom?
A: Texas Sage blooms in response to humidity or rain; ensure it is not overwatered or overfertilized, as this can inhibit flowering.
Q: How often should I water Texas Sage?
A: Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant.
Q: Can Texas Sage be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in large containers, but ensure adequate drainage and provide full sun exposure.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Scrophulariaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–14 days during activ |
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