Texas Sage Compacta

Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub
Plant Height: 3-4 feet
Spread: 3-4 feet
Flower Color: Lavender to purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Texas Sage ‘Compacta’: Small, Hardy, and Full of Color

The Texas Sage ‘Compacta’ (Leucophyllum frutescens) is a dwarf variety of the classic Texas Sage, offering the same silvery-gray foliage and purple blooms in a more compact form. Ideal for smaller gardens and modern landscapes, Compacta thrives in the heat, sun, and arid conditions of Arizona. Its neat, rounded growth habit and resilience make it one of the best choices for low-maintenance, water-wise landscapes in the Phoenix Valley.

Key Features of Texas Sage ‘Compacta’

• Compact Size: Grows smaller than standard Texas Sage, perfect for borders, foundation plantings, or tight spaces.
• Seasonal Blooms: Bursts of lavender-purple flowers appear after summer rains or high humidity.
• Heat & Drought Tolerance: Extremely hardy in full sun and reflected heat with very little water once established.
• Low Maintenance: Naturally rounded shape requires minimal pruning to maintain form.

Growing and Care Tips

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soils; thrives in sandy, rocky, or caliche conditions.
• Water: Needs regular water during establishment, then becomes highly drought-tolerant.
• Pruning: Light pruning after blooming can enhance shape; avoid excessive shearing.
• Cold Tolerance: Hardy to around 15°F, reliable in Phoenix winters.

Landscaping Uses

• Borders & Edges: Perfect for small hedges, walkways, or edging.
• Accent Shrub: Works as a compact highlight among desert plants.
• Containers: Grows well in large pots, adding evergreen foliage and seasonal blooms.
• Xeriscapes: A natural fit for low-water desert landscapes.

Summary

Texas Sage ‘Compacta’ is a small yet striking shrub that combines year-round silvery foliage with bursts of purple flowers. Its compact size, durability, and low water needs make it an excellent option for homeowners seeking beauty and resilience in smaller Arizona landscapes.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):

Texas Sage ‘Compacta’ Planting Guide

Location: Full sun for maximum blooming and dense growth.
Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, rocky, or caliche conditions.
Spacing: Plant 3-4 feet apart for borders or mass plantings.
Planting Depth: Set root ball level with surrounding soil and firm gently.
Support: None required; naturally grows compact and rounded.

Watering Guide

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deep water thoroughly at planting.
• Frequency: Every 2-3 days for the first 2 weeks, then weekly for 1-2 months.
• Amount: 2-3 gallons per plant per watering.

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Typically 3-4 months in warm weather.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 3-4 weeks. During extreme heat, increase to every 2-3 weeks for stronger blooms.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks if rainfall is lacking.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: 8-12 inches from the base.
• Flow Rate: 1 gallon per hour emitters recommended.
• Number of Emitters: 1-2 per plant.
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase during peak summer heat and bloom cycles; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Texas Sage ‘Compacta’

• Soil Check: Allow the top 3-4 inches of soil to dry before watering again.
• Avoid Overwatering: Too much water reduces flowering and can cause root issues.
• Mulch: Use decorative rock mulch to conserve moisture and highlight silvery foliage; avoid organic mulch against the crown.