White Cloud

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

White Cloud (Leucophyllum frutescens ‘White Cloud’): Bright White Blooms Against Silvery Foliage

White Cloud is a distinctive variety of Texas Sage known for its dazzling pure white flowers that contrast beautifully with soft silver-gray foliage. Blooming in cycles after summer rains, it’s a durable, low-water shrub perfectly suited to Arizona’s heat and dry conditions.

Key Features of White Cloud

• Pure White Flowers: Profuse blooms appear after humidity or rainfall, often several times during the summer monsoon season.
• Silver-Gray Foliage: Dense, evergreen leaves add year-round color and texture.
• Drought & Heat Tolerant: Thrives with minimal water once established.
• Low Maintenance: Maintains a naturally rounded shape with little pruning.

Growing and Care Tips

White Cloud is ideal for xeriscapes, rock gardens, and low-maintenance borders.

Soil: Prefers well-draining sandy or rocky soil; amend heavy clay to improve drainage.
Water: Moderate during establishment; once mature, water deeply every 3–4 weeks in summer.
Fertilizer: Rarely needed; excessive feeding can reduce bloom cycles.
Pruning: Light pruning in late winter or early spring keeps the plant neat.

Landscaping Uses

• Accent Plant: Adds brightness and contrast to desert-themed landscapes.
• Hedges & Screens: Forms an attractive flowering barrier.
• Mass Plantings: Creates a striking effect in groups.
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and butterflies during bloom periods.

Summary

White Cloud Texas Sage combines luminous white flowers, silvery foliage, and outstanding drought resistance for a showy yet low-maintenance desert shrub. Its seasonal blooms and evergreen presence make it an easy choice for water-wise landscapes.

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

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun for best flowering and foliage color.
Soil: Well-draining sandy or rocky soils preferred.
Spacing: Space 4–6 feet apart for hedging or mass planting.
Planting Depth: Keep crown level with surrounding soil.
Support: Not required—naturally forms a full, 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?

• Usually after 2–3 months of consistent watering and healthy new growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water deeply 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 younger plants; two for mature shrubs.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase slightly in extreme heat; reduce in cooler seasons.

General Watering Tips for White Cloud:

• Soil Check: Let the top 3–4 inches dry between watering.
• Avoid Overwatering: Too much water can cause root issues and reduce blooming.
• Mulch: Apply gravel mulch to conserve moisture and complement the plant’s silver foliage.