Lovely Leucophyllums
Leucophyllum, or Texas Ranger, is one of the showiest evergreen shrubs that we love recommending for low-water gardens.
When in bloom, bell-shaped flowers cover the entire shrub and attract hummingbirds! Texas Rangers have soft, silver, or green foliage, which are mostly evergreen. They are great for the Central Valley because they tolerate the heat, frost, and they bloom in summer.
How to Grow
Sunlight
Plant your Texas Ranger in full sun (at least 6 hours). This shrub tolerates the heat and is also wind-resistant–great for the reflected heat spots in the garden.
Watering
Texas Rangers need well-draining soil and are drought-tolerant once established.
Pruning
These shrubs do not need annual pruning, making them a very low-maintenance addition to the landscape.
Which Leucophyllum Do I Choose?
There are several different species and cultivars we offer at the nursery. We chose the following based on their flower characteristics and differences in size.
Leucophyllum langmaniae ‘Lynn’s Legacy’
Reaching up to 5’ tall x 5’ wide, this cultivar blooms profusely with lavender-colored flowers from summer to fall. Grow in mass for a showy swath of purple and hummingbird heaven!
Leucophyllum frutescens ‘Compacta’
Growing 5’ tall x 5’ wide, this selection has gray foliage and pink flowers. ‘Compacta’ is a variety that flowers when the humidity rises in summer-fall.
Leucophyllum X ‘Convent’
‘Convent’ was selected for the dramatic, dark pink flowers. The flowers contrast nicely with the silver foliage. Also reaching up to 5’ tall x 5’ wide.
Leucophyllum revolutum ‘Houdini’
‘Houdini’ is different because it has succulent, green foliage and large, purple flowers. Reaching only up to 4’ tall x 5’ wide.
Leuchophyllum zygophyllum ‘Cimmaron’
This variety is more compact than the others– only reaching up to 3’ tall and 5’ wide. The flowers are blue-purple, and the leaves are slightly cupped and gray-green. The compact height would be a great shrub under a window.
Leucophyllum laevigatum ‘Summer Snow’
A more sprawly form of Texas Ranger, this cultivar looks best when given room to show off its wild shape. ‘Summer Snow’ refers to the white flowers which bloom with a rise in humidity.
Leucophyllum frutescens ‘Green Cloud’
‘Green Cloud’ is one of the larger varieties we sell, growing 8’ tall x 8’ wide. It is semi-evergreen with green leaves and magenta flowers.
Leucophyllum pruinosum ‘Sierra Bouquet’
Another large variety, ‘Sierra Bouquet’, grows up to 8’ tall x 8’ wide. This selection was chosen for its exceptionally fragrant flowers, which smell like grape bubble gum! A must in every drought-tolerant garden.
Leucophyllum X ‘Heavenly Cloud’
‘Green Cloud’ is a hybrid between L. frutescens ‘Green Cloud’ and L. laevigatum. Reaching 6’ tall x 6’ wide with green foliage and lavender flowers.
Leucophyllum langmaniae ‘Rio Bravo’
This cultivar has evergreen foliage that grows into a rounded, symmetrical shrub. Blooms less profusely with lavender flowers but is a well-liked variety for the plant’s natural shape without pruning.
Whichever Leucophyllum you choose, be sure to plant in full sun for the most flowers. Water regularly until established and enjoy beautiful blooms for the toughest garden spots!
Photos by Mountain States Nursery
