This summer, Texas Sage is blooming more beautifully than ever before. The sight of large Texas Sage shrubs adorned with masses of purple blooms is truly stunning. Known for its soft silver to gray foliage and its long-lasting lavender to purple flowers, Texas Sage is one of the most popular native plants in our area.
A Native Beauty
Texas Sage can be found in Northern Mexico, the Rio Grande Plains, Texas, and even into New Mexico. It’s also known as the “barometer bush” because its blooming process is triggered by high humidity or excessive soil moisture before and after rain. This versatile shrub thrives in most soils and is incredibly drought and heat tolerant, making it low maintenance once established. In fact, it’s often used in Texas highways and commercial landscapes due to its ability to withstand harsh conditions. In recognition of its resilience, Texas Sage was named the official Texas Native Shrub in 2005.
Perfect Environment
For optimal growth, Texas Sage thrives in full sun and well-drained alkaline soil. While watering during dry summer months can promote faster growth, it’s crucial to avoid overwatering or poor drainage, as these factors can be detrimental to the plant’s health. To ensure a vibrant and abundant bloom, Texas Sage requires at least 8 hours of sunlight daily. Insufficient sunlight can cause the shrub to become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Trimming Tips
While sheared hedges are commonly seen in commercial plantings, maintaining the shrub’s natural shape through light pruning results in a healthier and more visually appealing plant. This can be done during late winter or early spring before buds form, and again in early summer.
Disease Tolerance
Texas Sage is highly resistant to insects and diseases, with the exception of cotton root rot. Poor drainage, standing water, or overwatering can lead to root rot. To prevent this, it’s important to plant Texas Sage in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Texas Sage Common Varieties
There are several varieties of Texas Sage, each with its own unique characteristics. The following are some of the most common varieties found in local landscapes, currently in full bloom:
Texas Sage “Silverado”
Silverado is a popular evergreen variety known for its compact, rounded growth habit. It has rosy-purple flowers that bloom from June through October, initiated by periods of high humidity and rain. This variety thrives in full sun, is drought-resistant, and tolerates poor soil. It grows up to 6 feet tall and wide.
Texas Sage “Desperado”
Desperado Sage is another drought-resistant evergreen plant with silvery gray-green foliage and lavender to purple blooms that appear from summer through fall. Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for planting as a specimen or hedge in any sunny landscape. It requires regular watering but should not be overwatered. It reaches a height and width of 4.5 feet.
Texas Sage “Compact”
Compact Texas Sage is an evergreen shrub with silver to gray foliage. Growing up to 36 inches tall and wide, it is covered with magenta to lavender-colored blooms from mid-spring through fall. This variety is highly drought-tolerant and flourishes in full sun. It also tolerates poor soil conditions.
Texas Sage “Heavenly Cloud”
Heavenly Cloud is a slower-growing variety characterized by its dense growth habit. This variety is also drought and heat tolerant, making it suitable for various soil types. Its green to gray foliage adds a delightful contrast to any sunny landscape. It produces deep purple blooms in abundance from early summer through fall and grows 6-8 feet tall and wide.
Texas Sage “Green Cloud”
Green Cloud is an excellent variety that blooms more frequently than others. It reaches a height and width of 6 feet and is best planted in full sun. Its rose to magenta blooms atop dark green foliage are a beautiful sight from early summer through fall. It’s important to avoid over-watering, as this can damage the root structure. Green Cloud is drought-resistant and tolerant of poor soil conditions.
Texas Sage “Rio Bravo”
Rio Bravo features a rounded growth habit, growing 4-7 feet tall and wide. This evergreen shrub has small gray leaves and flowers that come in shades of orchid, lavender, and occasionally white. It blooms from summer through fall and is drought-resistant. It requires good drainage and does not encounter significant pest or disease problems.
With its stunning beauty and ability to withstand harsh conditions, Texas Sage is a perfect choice for any landscape. Whether you prefer the compact and rounded Silverado, the silvery gray-green foliage of Desperado, or the dense growth habit of Heavenly Cloud, there is a Texas Sage variety that will add beauty and color to your garden. So, beat the heat this summer and enjoy the enchanting blooms of Texas Sage!