White Sagebrush
leucophyllum candidum
Also known as: ["Texas Sage","Barometer Bush"]
Overview
A small evergreen shrub native to arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico, known for its silvery foliage and lavender flowers that bloom after rains.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Scrophulariaceae |
| Genus: | Leucophyllum |
| Botanical Name: | Leucophyllum candidum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in arid or semi-arid regions, or as a container plant in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- 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 in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- 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 intense summer sun but benefits from some afternoon shade in extreme heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to full sun to prevent scorching; in hot climates, provide light shade during peak afternoon hours; ensure good air circulation to prevent sunburn.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is essential; avoid deep shade; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, every 14–21 days in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low organic content
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with sand or perlite if needed.
Temperature
Thrives in warm temperatures (65–85°F / 18–29°C); tolerates heat well; prefers mild winters but can withstand brief cold snaps.
Protect from frost; water deeply in heat; avoid sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer with balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only in spring; use a balanced formula; avoid over-fertilization.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings; semi-hardwood cuttings root most reliably.
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 / 21–27°C), humid environment with bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–4 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use semi-hardwood cuttings; keep consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning and heading back to shape the plant.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or overgrown branches.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged branches; shape as desired; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); avoid excessive pot size increase.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot only when root-bound or every 2–3 years; prefers slightly crowded roots.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
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 excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive cold; wilting or scorched leaves in extreme heat.
Cold Stress
Prolonged cold temperatures (below 20°F / -6°C) can damage or kill the plant; growth slows significantly in cool conditions.
Solution: Protect with frost cloth or move to a sheltered location in winter; avoid planting in areas prone to prolonged freezing.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or reduced flowering; water stress may exacerbate heat damage.
Solution: Provide light afternoon shade in extreme heat; water deeply and mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid frequent feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; fertilize sparingly, as the plant is not heavy feeder.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicLeucophyllum candidum is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain known toxic compounds that would cause adverse physiological impacts upon ingestion by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicLeucophyllum candidum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases or evidence suggesting that ingestion of this plant causes adverse effects in canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicLeucophyllum candidum is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. The plant does not contain known toxic compounds that would cause adverse physiological impacts upon ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Leucophyllum candidum require frequent watering?
A: No, it is highly drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal water once established.
Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves may indicate overwatering or poor drainage; ensure the plant is in well-draining soil.
Q: When does it bloom?
A: It typically blooms after periods of rain, often in late summer or fall.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Scrophulariaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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