Part 1 – Leucophyllum
Do you know the difference between the types of sage? ‘Sage Advice Part One’ will highlight the Leucophyllum sages while part two will unravel the mystery of the salvias.
Leucophyllum comes from the Greek—leucos meaning white, and phyllos meaning leaf. All Leucophyllum have fuzzy and whitish or silvery foliage. While it’s commonly called sage, it’s not actually a true sage.
Leucophyllum sages have a history of being used in Native American ceremonies for healing and energy cleansing. They are native to the Southwestern United States and Mexico.
Leucophyllum sages are evergreen but do have some leaf drop in winter. Cold hardy to about 5- or 10-degrees F, they also thrive in hot and arid conditions. I recommend watering every 10 days at the very least, but once per week is even better. Loving hot sun but also thriving in part shade (half a day of sun), they handle heat and reflected heat off structures and can even do well in windy sites.
All leucophyllum attract bees and hummingbirds when they bloom in summer through fall. Most begin their bloom cycle with the onset of monsoon.
In the landscape they can be used as a focal point, in a large pot, edging, pollinator gardens, rock gardens, foundation planting or hedges. They take well to pruning but I think they are more beautiful and bloom more when left to their own devises. Many types are commonly available, and some have been hybridized, creating even more stunning specimens. Read on for details on the common types and subtle differences of Leucophyllum sage.
Leucophyllum frutescens, aka Texas ranger, Texas sage, Cenizo, or barometer bush. Distinguished by its silver-grey foliage and vibrant purple flowers that tend to bloom during periods of moisture and high humidity. L. frutescens has a growth habit of about 5’-8’ tall and wide depending on cultivar. A few common cultivars of L. frutescens are: ‘Green Cloud,’ ‘Compacta,’ ‘Convent’ and ‘Heavenly Cloud.’
Leucophyllum langmaniae, aka Langman’s ranger, Rio Bravo sage, Texas ranger, Texas sage. Lush sage green foliage with pale purple to dark pink-purple flowers. Not as dependent on humidity for bloom. 5’x5’ tall and wide. Cultivars include ‘Lynn’s Legacy,’ ‘Rio Bravo.’
Leucophyllum candidum, aka Silverleaf or Violet Silverleaf, Texas ranger, Texas sage. Distinguished by its fine textured silvery-white foliage and pale to dark purple flowers. L candidum has a compact size of around 4’ x 4’ with a naturally rounded form. Cultivars include ‘Silver Cloud,’ ‘Thunder Cloud.’
Leucophyllum pruinosum, aka fragrant sage. Distinguished by its silvery rounded fuzzy leaves and bubble gum scented flowers going up spikes of foliage. This one is probably my favorite. Often sprawling growth habit of 6’-8’ tall and wide. Cultivar: ‘Sierra Bouquet.’
Leucophyllum laevegatum, aka Chihuahuan sage, Chihuahuan rain sage, Chihuahuan ranger. Chihuahuan rain sage is less dependent on the humidity of monsoons, and can produce masses of fragrant, bell-shaped, lavender-purple flowers several times a month from early summer through fall. Spiky, open habit 5’x5’ tall and wide. Common cultivars are the white flowering ‘Summer Snow’ and ‘Heavenly Cloud’ (a cross with L. frutescens).
Leucophyllum zygophyllum aka blue ranger. A petite shrub with a naturally rounded form. Distinguished by its silvery-green, distinctly cupped leaves and bluish bell-shaped flowers. Grows 3’ to 5’ tall and wide. Cultivar ‘Cimmaron.’
Any of these can be planted in winter here in Southern Arizona so get growing! Come in to Patagonia Plants Nursery to see what sage selections you can find for your landscape.
Happy Winter, happy gardening.