Texas Sage

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

Resources

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