Caring for & Trimming of Purple Sage
Also known as Texas sage or cenizo, purple sage, (Leucophyllum frutescens), is a durable, low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zones 8a to 10b. This sun-loving evergreen shrub grows to heights of 5 to 8 feet at maturity and displays showy lavender blooms in midsummer.
Purple sage is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in dry soil. Once established, the plant generally requires no supplemental irrigation; however, it benefits from an occasional watering during periods of hot, dry weather. Water deeply enough to saturate the roots and then don't water again until the soil is dry. Too little water is preferable to too much, as purple sage can die from rot and other moisture-caused diseases if the soil is allowed to become waterlogged.
A 1- to 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant promotes a tidy appearance, keeps weeds in check, and maintains an even soil temperature. Use a mulch such as shredded or chopped bark but don't allow the mulch to pile up against the main stem. Too much mulch can attract pests that like to gnaw on the plant, and may retain too much soil moisture, leading to stem rot.
Fertilizer is generally unnecessary for purple sage. However, if the soil is heavily clay- or acid-based -- often caused by decay of organic matter or leaching of rainfall -- the addition of wood ash or dolomitic limestone at planting time serves to adjust the soil pH. Alternatively, apply an acidifying fertilizer. Read the container carefully to determine if it is an acidifying fertilizer and then apply the fertilizer as directed. Experts at your local cooperative extension office can advise you regarding soil testing and soil pH.
Although purple sage is often drastically pruned to control the size or to form a hedge, a few years of heavy pruning results in a tall, thin plant that produces blooms only on the tips of branches that cover dry, unattractive wood. Instead, purple sage benefits from light pruning in late winter or early spring. Use hand pruners and prune selectively, trimming branches to varying lengths to produce a natural appearance.
- University of Nevada Extension: Texas Ranger
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Plants Growing in the Pasco Extension Demonstration Landscape Garden
- Texas A&M University Extension: Texas Sage, Texas Ranger, Texas Rain Sage, Cenizo, Texas Silverleaf...
- Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service: Causes and Effects of Soil Acidity
- Iowa State University Extension: How To Change Your Soil's pH
- The New Sunset Western Garden Book, Kathleen Norris Brenzel
M.H. Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer. She writes about a variety of topics, with a focus on sustainable, pesticide- and herbicide-free gardening. She is an Oregon State University Master Gardener and Master Naturalist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction writing.