Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas Ranger)
Cenizo, Purple Sage, Texas Ranger, Texas Barometer Bush, Texas Silverleaf, Texas Sage, Silverleaf
Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas Ranger) is a rounded, dense, evergreen shrub noted for its attractive, soft to the touch, silvery leaves, 1 in. long (2.5 cm). Borne in the leaf axils, rose-purple bell-shaped flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), appear at varying times of the year, often after summer showers, therefore the common name of barometer bush. These burst into bloom for only a few days at a time, in the summer and fall, depending on rainfall. They smother the branches, creating a breathtaking floral display, and attract bees and hummingbirds. Delicate and elegant when in bloom, Texas Ranger requires little care. A show-stopper as a specimen, it is perfect for shrub and perennial borders or large containers. A grouping of several individuals makes a pretty screen or hedge.
- Grows up to 5-8 ft. tall (150-240 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm).
- Thrives in alkaline, gritty, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Sharp drainage is critical. Do not fertilize plants. Drought and heat tolerant.
- Excellent plant for sunny areas, ideal as a specimen plant, for foundation plantings, borders, hedges and screens or planted in containers.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for cotton root rot.
- Propagate by seed or cuttings.
- Native to Texas and Mexico.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 5' – 8' (150cm – 240cm) |
Spread | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 60" – 72" (150cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Southwest, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
(c) Gerhard Bock, SucculentsandMore.com, Sarintra Chimphoolsuk, Afterman, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 5' – 8' (150cm – 240cm) |
Spread | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 60" – 72" (150cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Southwest, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |