Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)

Texas Sage

Leucophyllum frutescens

Its silvery foliage glows in sun, a tough desert beauty. Drought-tolerant evergreen shrub; common names: Texas sage, silverleaf sage.

Full sun
0.5/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Requires full sun for optimal flowering; tolerates intense desert heat and reflected sunlight
💧
Watering Drought-tolerant; water deeply only when soil is completely dry to prevent root rot
🌡️
Temperature Hardy to -10°C; withstands extreme desert heat up to 40°C
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Small, silvery-gray oval leaves covered in fine hairs to minimize water loss
  • Flower: Bell-shaped purple to lavender blooms clustered at stem tips
  • Stem: Woody branching stems with gray-brown mature bark
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Water deeply once every 10–14 days; avoid frequent shallow watering

Fertilization

Apply diluted balanced fertilizer once in early spring. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering rather than excessive foliage growth

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface and water in to avoid pest infestations
Pruning
  • Prune lightly in late winter to shape the shrub and remove dead, damaged branches
  • Thin overcrowded stems to improve airflow and encourage more uniform flowering
  • Avoid heavy pruning as it can reduce bloom production for the growing season
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-confirmed non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes resilience and adaptability in arid landscapes

Usage: Xeriscaping ornamental shrub; provides pollinator habitat for bees and butterflies