Thunder Cloud Sage

Plant Type: evergreen shrub
Plant Height: 3–5 feet
Spread: 3–5 feet
Flower Color: lavender-purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Thunder Cloud (Leucophyllum candidum): Striking Silver Foliage with Monsoon Blooms

Thunder Cloud is a standout variety of Texas Sage known for its bright silver foliage and vivid lavender-purple flowers that appear in cycles after summer rains. This compact, drought-tolerant shrub thrives in Arizona landscapes, offering year-round color and texture with bursts of seasonal blooms.

Key Features of Thunder Cloud

• Brilliant Silver Foliage: Dense, bright silver leaves provide a bold contrast in desert landscapes.
• Seasonal Blooming: Produces waves of lavender-purple flowers, often triggered by humidity or rainfall.
• Drought & Heat Tolerant: Performs exceptionally in hot, dry conditions once established.
• Low Maintenance: Naturally rounded shape requires minimal pruning.

Growing and Care Tips

Thunder Cloud is perfectly adapted to low-water, full-sun environments.

Soil: Prefers well-draining sandy or rocky soils; amend heavy clay to improve drainage.
Water: Moderate during establishment; once mature, water every 3–4 weeks in summer.
Fertilizer: Not typically needed; too much fertilizer can reduce flowering.
Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.

Landscaping Uses

• Accent Plant: Adds bold foliage color and seasonal blooms to xeriscapes.
• Hedges & Borders: Works well as a low, flowering privacy screen.
• Mass Plantings: Creates stunning sweeps of silver foliage and purple flowers.
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and butterflies when in bloom.

Summary

Thunder Cloud combines dazzling silver foliage with showy monsoon-season blooms, thriving in Arizona’s heat with minimal care. Its drought tolerance, compact form, and seasonal color make it a top choice for desert-friendly landscapes.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Thunder Cloud

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun for best foliage color and flowering.
Soil: Well-draining sandy or rocky soils preferred.
Spacing: Space 3–5 feet apart for hedging or mass planting.
Planting Depth: Keep crown level with surrounding soil.
Support: Not required—naturally forms a dense, rounded shape.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deeply water after planting.
• Frequency: Every 4–5 days for the first 2–3 weeks.
• Watering Amount: Enough to soak soil 8–10 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Typically after 2–3 months of consistent watering and visible new growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 3–4 weeks.
• Winter: Water every 6–8 weeks if dry.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Place 1 emitter 12–18 inches from the base.
Flow Rate: 1 gallon per hour.
Number of Emitters: One for smaller plants; two for mature shrubs.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase slightly during extreme heat or drought; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Thunder Cloud:

• Soil Check: Allow top 3–4 inches of soil to dry before watering again.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers drier intervals to promote blooms.
• Mulch: Use gravel mulch to retain moisture and complement silver foliage.