Texas Purple Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)

Texas Sage is recognized by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension as a Texas Superstar® plant, a designation given only to plants that perform reliably across Texas with minimal input. It is also heavily recommended in Earth-Kind® landscapes, although it is not Earth-Kind certified because the program emphasizes low-water but broader plant testing.

Common Names: Texas Sage, Cenizo, Barometer Bush, Texas Silverleaf
Botanical Name: Leucophyllum frutescens
Family: Scrophulariaceae

Native Range and Climate Adaptation

Texas Sage is native to Texas and northern Mexico, perfectly adapted to hot, dry conditions. It thrives in full sun, poor soils, drought, high heat, and alkaline ground, making it ideal for landscapes across Central, West, and South Texas. It also grows in North Texas, but needs good drainage to survive wet winters. In East Texas, where humidity is higher and soils are heavier, it may struggle without proper soil preparation.

Growth Habit and Appearance

Texas Sage is an evergreen shrub growing 5 to 8 feet tall and wide. It forms a dense, rounded shape with silvery-gray leaves. The purple, lavender, or pink flowers appear most heavily after rainstorms, especially during the hot summer months. This flowering habit gives it the nickname “barometer bush” because it often blooms in response to rising humidity before a rain.

Texas Purple Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)

These varieties have differences in flower color, size, and growth habit. These are all heat- and drought-tolerant, but choosing the right one depends on your space and color preferences.

1. ‘Green Cloud’

• Height: 6–8 feet tall and wide

• Foliage: Bright green (not silver)

• Flowers: Deep rose-purple

• Notes: Fast-growing and one of the most vigorous; needs room to spread. Bold contrast between green leaves and flowers.

2. ‘Silverado’

• Height: 5–6 feet

• Foliage: Bright silver-gray

• Flowers: Light lavender to purple

• Notes: Compact and upright; one of the best choices for strong silver foliage with consistent bloom form.

3. ‘Compacta’

• Height: 3–5 feet

• Foliage: Silver

• Flowers: Purple

• Notes: Smaller, tighter form — ideal for smaller landscapes, containers, or urban settings where space is limited.

4. ‘White Cloud’

• Height: 5–6 feet

• Foliage: Gray-green

• Flowers: White (rare among Texas sages)

• Notes: Unique white blooms offer visual contrast; blooms less often than purple varieties but stands out when it does.

5. ‘Lynn’s Legacy’

• Height: 5–6 feet

• Foliage: Silvery

• Flowers: Light lavender

• Notes: Selected for more frequent and consistent blooming, even without rain. Ideal for landscapes that need regular color in hot conditions.

6. ‘Thunder Cloud’

• Height: 5–7 feet

• Foliage: Silvery gray

• Flowers: Deep purple

• Notes: Dense, rounded shape; very striking during bloom. Tends to be more symmetrical than older types.

Summary:

• Choose ‘Green Cloud’ for fast growth and bold contrast.

• Use ‘Silverado’ or ‘Lynn’s Legacy’ if you want steady bloom and compact size.

• Pick ‘Compacta’ for tight spaces, and ‘White Cloud’ if you want something different in color.

1. Q: Where does Texas Purple Sage grow best in Texas?
A: Texas Purple Sage grows best in Central, West, and South Texas, where the climate is hot, dry, and the soil drains quickly. It can be grown in North Texas with good drainage but may struggle in East Texas unless planted in raised beds or amended soils.

2. Q: How often does Texas Purple Sage bloom?
A: It blooms several times a year, usually in response to rainfall or rising humidity. Major bloom periods occur late spring through fall, with the most spectacular flowering after summer rains.

3. Q: Is Texas Purple Sage drought-tolerant?
A: Yes. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal supplemental water. Overwatering can actually harm the plant, leading to root rot.

4. Q: What pests or diseases affect Texas Purple Sage?
A: Texas Sage is generally pest and disease resistant. However, root rot can develop in poorly draining soils, and spider mites may appear during extreme drought, although infestations are rare and usually minor.

5. Q: Has Texas Purple Sage received any awards or formal recognitions?
A: Yes. Texas Purple Sage is a designated Texas Superstar® plant by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for its outstanding performance, drought tolerance, and low maintenance needs across a wide range of Texas landscapes.