Chihuahuan Sage

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 4-5 feet
Spread: 4-5 feet
Flower Color: lavender or purple
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Description:

Chihuahuan Sage, scientifically known as Leucophyllum zygophyllum, is a resilient and ornamental evergreen shrub native to the Chihuahuan Desert region. It is well-regarded for its attractive silver to blue-green foliage and its lavender to purple flowers, which bloom profusely after summer rains, typically from mid-summer to early fall. This desert sage is highly valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to adapt to extreme heat and arid conditions, making it an excellent choice for xeriscapes and water-wise garden designs.

Growing to about 4 to 5 feet in both height and spread, Chihuahuan Sage forms a dense, rounded shape, with its foliage offering a beautiful contrast against the lavender to purple flowers. The blooms are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, adding ecological value to its ornamental appeal.

Adapted to full sun, Leucophyllum zygophyllum thrives in well-draining soil and is extremely drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering. It is well-suited to poor soil conditions, including rocky or sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained. This shrub benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage denser foliage and more prolific blooming.

In landscaping, Chihuahuan Sage is often used as a specimen plant, in hedges or borders, or as part of a desert-themed garden. Its striking foliage and vibrant flowers make it a popular choice for adding texture, color, and contrast to garden beds and landscapes. Additionally, its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements make it a valuable plant for gardeners seeking sustainable and resilient landscaping solutions.

Overall, Chihuahuan Sage is a low-maintenance, attractive shrub ideal for adding year-round beauty and interest to sunny, dry areas of the garden. Its silvery foliage, vibrant blooms, and adaptability to harsh growing conditions make it a favored choice for creating visually engaging and water-wise garden displays.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Chihuahuan Sage

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-5 feet apart to allow for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Chihuahuan Sage is a compact shrub that does not require staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session to ensure deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Chihuahuan Sage is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks