Leucophyllum frutescens

Its silvery foliage and rounded form has attracted many buyers to Texas sage. Those buyers are often disappointed a few years down the road when their compact shrub has sprawled into a leggy, unkempt mess. Kind of like a teenager.

Leucophyllum frutescens, the purple sage of cowboy song fame, is a tough, slow-growing, drought-tolerant shrub. It provides intermittent splashes of color through summer, often after a rain -- hence the common name "barometer bush." It is also known as Texas sage and Texas ranger.

Native to both sides of the Rio Grande, the species grows 3-5 feet under semidesert conditions but may reach 6-8 feet in well-watered gardens over three to five years. This is where the scraggly look comes in.

New, more compact variety

A new cultivar, 'Bertstar Dwarf,' sold under the trademark name Silverado Sage, has a dense, rounded habit that its introducers say will allow broader uses than other sages on the market. The habit of Silverado Sage contrasts with the more open, irregular habit common with other sages. Silverado Sage is full and dense to the base.

It is a dwarf, reaching 4 feet by 4 feet, but can be maintained at a lower height. Because leaves of Silverado Sage are more evergreen, they could have wider appeal year-round compared to sages on the market now.

The new variety will be promoted through point-of-purchase materials and a custom-designed plant tag. A full-scale consumer marketing program is planned for next spring.

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For more: Color Spot Nurseries, Southwest Division, 7960 Cagnon Road, San Antonio, TX 78252; (800) 999-8020; fax (210) 258-3838. Turkey Creek Farms, 5301 FM 1960, Humble, TX 77338; (800) 648-2532; fax (281) 446-7696.

Specifics

Name: Leucophyllum frutescens

Common names: Texas ranger, Texas sage, barometer bush, cenizo, silverleaf, purple sage.
Description: Drought-tolerant shrub with silvery, feltlike leaves; flowers in summer are pink, white, pale-bluish or lavender.

Hardiness: Most are hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 7a or 7b; Sunset Climate Zones 7-24.
Exposure: Full sun. Generally hardy; survives to 5°F, though it may drop some foliage. Takes virtually any amount of heat and wind. Irrigate well until established in the landscape, then hold back on water.

Landscape uses: Mass plantings, screen, foundation plantings, barrier, color. Perfect for xeriscape gardens.

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Other varieties: 'Alba,' white flowers; 'Green Cloud,' greener foliage and pinkish flowers; 'Silver Cloud,' silvery foliage and blue flowers; 'Compacta,' smaller variety for low hedges. (For an extensive description of the Leucophyllum genus, see NMPRO October 1995, Page 12.) Silverado Sage is a joint, exclusive introduction from Color Spot Nurseries, Southwest Division, in San Antonio and Turkey Creek Farms Inc. in Humble, Texas. A plant patent is pending.