Upright Blue Ranger

Plant Type: evergreen shrub
Plant Height: 5–6 feet
Spread: 4–5 feet
Flower Color: purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Upright Blue Ranger (Leucophyllum zygophyllum ‘Upright Blue Ranger’): Tall, Silver Foliage with Monsoon-Season Color

Upright Blue Ranger is a Texas Sage selection known for its tall, upright growth habit, silvery-blue foliage, and rich purple blooms. Flowering in cycles after humidity or summer rains, it adds structure and seasonal color to low-water landscapes in Arizona.

Key Features of Upright Blue Ranger

• Upright Form: Taller and narrower than standard Texas Sage varieties, ideal for vertical accents and hedging.
• Showy Purple Blooms: Prolific flowers appear multiple times from summer into fall, especially after monsoon moisture.
• Silvery-Blue Foliage: Dense evergreen leaves provide year-round color and texture.
• Low-Water Performer: Thrives in hot, sunny locations with minimal irrigation once established.

Growing and Care Tips

Upright Blue Ranger is durable and thrives in extreme heat, making it perfect for desert-adapted landscapes.

Soil: Prefers well-draining sandy or rocky soils; amend clay to improve drainage.
Water: Moderate during establishment; water deeply every 3–4 weeks in summer once mature.
Fertilizer: Rarely needed; excessive fertilizer can reduce flowering.
Pruning: Light pruning in late winter or early spring maintains shape without stimulating excess leafy growth.

Landscaping Uses

• Hedges & Screens: Works well as a flowering privacy screen or windbreak.
• Accent Plant: Adds vertical interest to xeriscape beds.
• Mass Plantings: Creates dramatic sweeps of silver foliage and purple flowers.
• Pollinator Gardens: Blooms attract bees and butterflies.

Summary

Upright Blue Ranger offers a refined vertical habit, vibrant seasonal flowers, and low-water adaptability. It’s a top choice for Arizona gardens needing both structure and bursts of color during the summer monsoon season.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Upright Blue Ranger

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun for best blooming and foliage color.
Soil: Well-draining sandy or rocky soils preferred.
Spacing: Space 4–5 feet apart for hedging or mass planting.
Planting Depth: Keep crown level with surrounding soil.
Support: Not needed—naturally upright and sturdy.

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 moisten soil 8–10 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Usually after 2–3 months of consistent watering and 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: Position 1–2 emitters 12–18 inches from base.
Flow Rate: 1 gallon per hour.
Number of Emitters: One for small plants; two for mature shrubs.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase slightly in extreme heat; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Upright Blue Ranger:

• Soil Check: Allow the top 3–4 inches to dry between waterings.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers drier intervals for best flowering.
• Mulch: Apply gravel mulch to retain moisture and complement silver foliage.