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Leucophyllum frutescens – Silver Leaf, Texas Sage for Hot Dry Sites

Silver Leaf (Leucophyllum frutescens)

Leucophyllum frutescens (lew-koe-FIL-lum frew-TES-senz) is a flowering evergreen shrub with arching branches and woolly, silvery gray leaves. In summer, it bears solitary, bell-shaped rose-purple flowers an inch across.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Useful as hedging and in seaside plantings.

Growing Conditions & Care

Grow in poor, sandy soil and full sun.

Propagation

Sow seed in situ in spring or take greenwood cuttings in early summer.

Potential Problems

Stem rot, galls, powdery mildew, scale insects, and root rots.

Quick Reference

Height/Spread: 3–6 ft.
Light: Full sun only
Moisture: Dry
Bloom Time: Summer
Flower Color: Pink, Purple
Uses: Beds, borders, hedge
Type: Shrub

Other: Growing Lobelia in Containers: Sun, Shade, Water, and Feeding Guide; Hollyhock (Alcea rosea): Tall, Classic Cottage Garden Biennial with Colorful Spikes; Stars of Persia (Allium christophii): Huge, Metallic Fuchsia Spheres for Early Summer; Drumstick Allium (Allium sphaerocephalon): Color-Changing Blooms for the Summer Garden; Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia): Heat-Loving Summer Bloomer for Containers; Golden Marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria): Long-Blooming Daisy-Like Flowers; Marguerite Daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens): Continuous Blooms for Containers; Growing Swiss Chard: Colorful Greens for Summer and Beyond; Growing Lettuce: Diverse Salad Greens for Cool Seasons; Growing Summer Squash: Varieties, Planting, and Harvest Tips

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