Description—Native to Texas and Mexico, this desert-adapted evergreen shrub is a hardy landscape choice. Also known as Texas sage, it belongs to the same family as penstemons and snapdragons. Its gray to green foliage offers a rich backdrop for scores of blooms. Most flower in summer, while others continue into early fall. At maturity, it averages 5 feet high and wide.

Best traits—Texas ranger produces masses of fragrant flowers that vary from pink to purple and blue to white, with the color intensifying when temperatures and humidity are high. This drought-tolerant shrub loves the sun and reflected heat, yet it is cold-tolerant to 10 degrees.

In the garden—Suitable for hot desert gardens and sandy alkaline soils, this low-maintenance shrub can be used as a hedge, grown beside pathways, planted en masse, or used as a backdrop for other smaller desert bushes.

Note: Sometimes referred to as the “barometer bush” for its ability to forecast rainfall, Texas ranger often will bloom right before it rains. It also tends to flower about 10 days following a hard rain.


GROWING TIPS

• Plant in full sun in well-draining soil in a spot where it will have plenty of room to grow to maturity.
• To prevent it from getting leggy, keep the shrub out of the shade, and do not fertilize or over-water.
• Do not prune into gumball shapes, as this ruins its natural form and removes all the flower buds. If you need to trim back or remove dead branches, do so before it blooms in spring.



RECOMMENDED VARIETIES
• Chihuahuan sage (Leucophyllum laevigatum)
• Compact sage (L. frutescens ‘Compacta’)
• Leucophyllum frutescens ‘Alba’
• Leucophyllum langmaniae ‘Lynn’s Legacy’