Leucophyllum frutescens ‘Convent’

Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub
Plant Height: 4-6 feet
Spread: 4-5 feet
Flower Color: Lavender to purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Convent Texas Sage: Reliable Color and Desert Toughness

The Convent Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens ‘Convent’) is a dense, evergreen shrub known for its silvery-gray foliage and bursts of purple blooms that follow summer rains. Smaller and more compact than many Texas Sage varieties, Convent is highly prized in Arizona landscapes for its neat form, drought tolerance, and long-lasting beauty. This shrub thrives in the heat and sun, making it one of the most reliable choices for Phoenix Valley gardens.

Key Features of Convent Texas Sage

• Seasonal Blooms: Produces abundant lavender-purple flowers after monsoon rains and periods of high humidity.
• Compact Form: Naturally rounded, with dense foliage that maintains a tidy, uniform look.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, requires little supplemental water.
• Low Maintenance: Resists pests and diseases, needs only minimal pruning.

Growing and Care Tips

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates rocky or sandy sites.
• Water: Water regularly during establishment, then only occasionally once mature.
• Pruning: Light shaping in late winter or early spring maintains form; avoid heavy shearing.
• Cold Tolerance: Hardy to around 15°F, making it suitable for Arizona winters.

Landscaping Uses

• Hedges & Screens: Dense growth makes it an excellent choice for privacy or windbreaks.
• Accent Shrub: Silvery foliage and purple flowers provide bold contrast against green desert plants.
• Mass Plantings: Works well in rows or clusters for uniform landscape design.
• Xeriscapes: Perfect for low-water gardens and desert-themed landscapes.

Summary

The Convent Texas Sage is a durable, colorful, and low-maintenance shrub that belongs in every Arizona landscape. With its compact form, silvery foliage, and bursts of purple blooms, it offers year-round interest and thrives in the hottest, driest conditions.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):

Convent Texas Sage Planting Guide

Location: Full sun for best flowering and dense growth.
Soil: Well-drained soil; thrives in sandy or rocky conditions.
Spacing: Plant 4-5 feet apart for hedges or mass plantings.
Planting Depth: Place root ball level with surrounding soil and firm lightly.
Support: Not required; naturally forms a dense, rounded shrub.

Watering Guide

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deeply water after planting to settle soil around roots.
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2 weeks, then once weekly for 1-2 months.
• Amount: Provide 3-4 gallons per watering for young plants.

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Typically 3-4 months in warm growing seasons.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 3-4 weeks. Increase to every 2-3 weeks during extreme heat for stronger blooming.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks if rainfall is lacking.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: 12-18 inches from the base of the plant.
• Flow Rate: 1-2 gallons per hour emitters recommended.
• Number of Emitters: 2 per plant, increasing as shrubs mature.
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase during hot summers and bloom cycles; reduce during cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Convent Texas Sage

• Soil Check: Water when soil is dry 3-4 inches deep.
• Avoid Overwatering: Too much moisture can lead to root rot and reduce flowering.
• Mulch: Apply gravel or rock mulch around the base to conserve moisture and highlight silvery foliage; avoid wood mulch directly at the crown.