Leucophyllum spp
Also known as Texas Rangers or Barometer Bushes, these are tough desert-adapted shrubs. Not a true ‘sage’ they are related to Penstemons and Snap Dragons. Eremophilas (Emu Bushes) from Australia are part of the same family too. There are silver/gray leafed species and green leaf species: the ‘Cloud’ series offers a variety of flower and foliage colors.

Flowers: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Status: Varies by species
Origin: Varies by Species
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Size: Varies by species and cultivar
Sun: Full and reflected heat
Watering: Low, supplemental only
Growth Rate: Moderate
Soil: Well drained preferred
Temperature: Hardy to 10 degrees F
Pruning: None
Disease and Pests: Root rot if overwatered
Uses: Host for Calleta Silkmoth, Theona Checkerspot. Attracts hummingbirds.
Notes: Bloom around periods of rain (sporadic blooming). Photo to left is Lynn’s Legacy.
- Compact Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens ‘Compacta’ )
Leucophyllum frutescens, also known as Texas ranger, has several cultivars. This variety is denser than the ‘Green Cloud’ and Chihuahuan sages, and is a popular choice for screening. Can tolerate more water and heavier soil than other selections.- Foliage: Gray
- Flowers: Deep Pink
- Size: 5′ x 5′ dense form
- Silver Cloud Sage (Leucophyllum candidum‘Silver Cloud’)
This trademarked plant is especially sensitive to overwatering.- Foliage: Silver
- Flowers: Deep Purple
- Size: 5′ x 5′ dense form
- Thunder Cloud Sage (Leucophyllum candidum ‘Thunder Cloud’)
Thunder Cloud has long been a staple in our Southwest landscapes due to its compact size and dark purple flower show. Very sensitive to root rot.- Foliage: Silver-white
- Flowers: Dark Purple
- Size: 3′ x 3′ compact form
- Sierra Bouquet (Leucophyllum pruinosum Sierra BouquetTM)
The most fragrant flowers of all the Texas Rangers.- Foliage: Silver-gray
- Flowers: Violet
- Size: 6′ x 6′
- Houdini (Leucophyllum revolutum HoudiniTM)
Collected from a higher elevation in Mexico, making it well suited to cooler climates. Blooms later in Phoenix since it prefers the cooler fall weather.- Foliage: Gray-green with a texture similar to Rosemary
- Flowers: Medium Purple
- Size: 4′ x 4′
- Cimarron (Leucophyllum zygophyllum Cimarron®)
Commonly called Blue Ranger, this shrub is better adapted to higher moisture zones.- Foliage: Silver fuzzy cupped leaves
- Flowers: Blue-purple
- Size: 3′ x 3′
- Convent (Leucophyllum X ‘Convent’)
Can handle some partial shade- Foliage: Silver-gray
- Flowers: Bright Magenta
- Size: 6′ x 6′
- Green Cloud Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens ‘Green Cloud’)
This trademarked plant was released by Texas A & M University. This is one of the larger selections of Texas sage. Deciduous in colder climates.- Foliage: Bright Green
- Flowers: Large violet-purple
- Size: 6′ x 6′ open form
- Chihuahuan Sage (Leucophyllum laevigatum)
The Chihuahuan Sage attracts hummingbirds.- Foliage: Olive Green
- Flowers: Fragrant Lavender
- Size: 5′ x 5′ loose open growth
- Summer Snow (Leucophyllum laevigatum ‘Summer Snow’)
Blooms more often through summer and fall than many other Luecophyllums.- Foliage: Dark Green and narrow
- Flowers: White
- Size: 5′ x 5′
- Lynn’s Legacy (Leucophyllum langmaniae ‘Lynn’s Legacy’)
Collected by Lynn Lowery, a very special plantsman from east Texas. Picked for its profuse and frequent flower displays.- Foliage: Sage Green
- Flowers: Lavender
- Size: 5′ x 5′
- Rio Bravo (Leucophyllum langmaniae Rio Bravo®)
Maintains a formal, tight and rounded form without pruning.- Foliage: Green
- Flowers: Lavender
- Size: 5′ x 5′
- Heavenly Cloud (Leucophyllum X ‘Heavenly Cloud’)
Hybrid between Chihuahuan Sage and Green Cloud. One of the first Luecophyllum to bloom in spring and a magnet for pollinators.- Foliage: Dark Green
- Flowers: Purple
- Size: 8′ tall x 6′ wide
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