Texas Sage , scientifically have it off asLeucophyllum frutescens , belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family , which include plants like snapdragon and mulleins . It is often mistakenly referred to as a true salvia ( Salvia spp . ) , but it is more closely related to plant life like the butterfly Vannevar Bush . Its unwashed name calling include Purple Sage , Texas Ranger , and Cenizo , reflecting its distinctive silverish leafage and the vivacious violet flowers it bring about .
The account of Texas Sage is deep intertwine with the cultures of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico , where it has been a part of the landscape for centuries . Indigenous peoples have used this plant for its drought - tolerant timbre and for ornamental aim , appreciating its beauty in an otherwise arid environment . Its popularity in New landscape gardening , particularly in xeriscaping , has grown due to its ability to thrive with minimal water , symbolizing sustainability in garden design .
Native to the arid regions of the southwestern U.S. , peculiarly Texas , New Mexico , and role of Arizona , as well as Northern Mexico , Texas Sage thrive in the Chihuahuan and Sonoran Deserts . It ’s found in wry , rocky , or sandy soils of scrublands , hillsides , and arroyo , showcasing its adaptability to harsh environmental conditions . This plant ’s instinctive home ground is characterise by full Dominicus , down in the mouth humidity , and nutrient - poor territory , get to it an idealistic pick for similar clime elsewhere .
In terms of lifespan , Texas Sage is a perennial shrub , mean it can last for many years under the right conditions . With proper precaution , including appropriate pruning to maintain human body and wellness , it can last for decade , becoming an enduring feature of speech in landscape . It typically grows to a height of 3 to 8 infantry , depending on the variety and its growing experimental condition , offer both beauty and structure to gardens .
When conceive USDA Hardiness Zones , Texas Sage is hardy in zones 8 through 11 . This range indicates its margin for both heat and frigid , although it prefers the warmer ending of this spectrum . In zone 8 , it might suffer some frost damage but will usually regrow in springtime . In its native zones 9 through 11 , Texas Sage is evergreen , maintaining its foliage class - rotund . In colder country or during severe winters , providing protection through mulching can help assure its natural selection . Its adaptability to various USDA zones makes it a valuable works for nurseryman looking to incorporate drought - resistant , grim - maintenance vegetation into their landscape .
How To Grow Texas Sage In Pots & Containers
Growing Texas Sage ( Leucophyllum frutescens ) in pots and container is an excellent strategy for those look to savor this drought - tolerant , visually appealing plant in limited blank space or where grime conditions might not be idealistic . Here ’s how to successfully tame Texas Sage in container :
Choosing the Right weed
Opt for a container that ’s at least 18 - 24 column inch spacious and deep to accommodate the tooth root system of Texas Sage . The pot should have drainage hole to fend off waterlogging , which this plant dislike . Terracotta mass can be good for their breathability , but ensure they ’re large enough to prevent speedy drying out .
Soil Mix
Use a well - draining potting mix , ideally with a sandy or gritty constituent to mime the plant ’s natural , desiccated home ground . A mix of cactus stain , perlite , and a act of sand will help with drainage while still provide some nutrient . Texas Sage prefer a slenderly acidic to neutral land pH , around 6.0 to 7.0 .
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Plant your Texas Sage at the same degree it was raise in its previous container , insure not to entomb the stem . If begin from seeds , they ’re quite ambitious to evolve , so it ’s more practical to use cuttings or vernal plants from nurseries . Space multiple plants with enough room for air circulation to prevent fungal egress .
Light Within
Texas Sage thrives in full sun , needing at least 6 minute of direct sunlight daily . Place your container where it gets the most sun exposure , peculiarly in cool clime to promote levelheaded development and flowering .
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Water sparingly , allowing the soil to dry out between waterings . Overwatering can lead to theme rot , one of the few tangible threats to this plant in containers . Once base , Texas Sage is unco drought - tolerant , but new plants or those in great deal might require more frequent watering until they conform .
Temperature
This plant loves heat and can stand firm temperatures well into the 90s . However , in throne , it ’s more susceptible to cold . Protect it from frost by moving the container indoors or to a sheltered area during wintertime . In hot mood , see the stack is n’t sitting in direct , scorch sunshine all day without some easing .
Fertilization
Texas Sage does n’t require much eating due to its adaptation to poor soils . If you fertilize , use a down in the mouth - N , slow - release fertilizer once in former spring . Over - fertilizing can lead to tall-growing growth with few blooms .
Pruning
Prune in late winter or early springtime to form the plant and promote shaggy growth . you may also prune after flowering to remove spend prime and advance new emergence . However , be mindful not to cut back too much at once , as Texas Sage does n’t respond well to severe pruning .
Repotting
Repot every couple of years to refresh the soil and give source more space . This is best done in spring . If the plant seems too enceinte for well-fixed repotting , you’re able to trim the ascendant and lop the top ontogenesis to fit into a novel pot .
Pest and Disease Control
Texas Sage is comparatively pest - gratuitous , but watch for graduated table or spider pinch . regale with insecticidal soap or neem oil if you notice any way out . It ’s also quite insubordinate to disease , but good air circulation helps prevent any likely fungal problems .
Winter Care
In colder zones , Texas Sage in stack may need supererogatory tribute . Move the pot to a cool but above - freeze locating or insulate it with mulch or bubble wrap . Water meagerly during this dormant period .
Growth Control
Since plants in container can grow somewhat other than than in the primer , monitor for source - bound conditions which might stunt growth or anthesis . If growth seems stunted , it might be metre to either repot or divide the plant life .
