Leucophyllum laevigatum - Chihuahuan Rain Sage

Leucophyllum laevigatum - Chihuahuan Rain Sage


Butterfly FriendlyFull SunDeer ResistantPart ShadeBird Friendly
DESCRIPTION
Chihuahuan Rain Sage
Leucophyllum laevigatum
Handsome evergreen shrub with fragrant, lavender flowers that bloom throughout the summer and flower especially heavily during the monsoon rains of late summer. This upright, compact grower is useful as a natural hedge, looks great planted en masse and is perfect for a xeriscape garden.

Benefits

Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and other beneficial insects
Displays showy, fragrant lavender flowers summer and fall
Provides nesting sites for birds and cover for other wildlife
Easy to grow, responds well to pruning
Drought tolerant once established
NATIVE INFO

Native Range

Native area is rocky slopes of high Chihuahuan desert at 4,000 to 8,000 feet.

INTERESTING FACTS

Xeric means dry in Greek. Xeric landscapes use plants that need very little water once they're established. Native plants are important in this type of landscape because they have evolved to live with the natural rainfall patterns of the local area.

GROWING TIPS

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Watering can be reduced after establishment. Imperative in developing more sustainable practices for irrigated landscapes is the need to balance landscape plant pruning and watering intensities. Water less and plants will grow more slowly. This means that their pruning needs to control height and spread will diminish and less green waste will be generated.

Mature Size: 4-5ft. Tall x 5-7ft. Wide

Hardiness Zone: 7-10

Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade

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    American Beauties Offer Solution Based Plant Collections to Help you Choose

    Quick Tips for Choosing Plants:

    • Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines increases biodiversity and gives wildlife a source for food, cover and nesting
    • Choose a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees so birds and other wildlife will always be able to find shelter
    • Plant trees and large shrubs where they will block winter winds from the house and shade it in summer, that will save energy and lower your carbon footprint
    • Try your best to buy plants that were grown locally, your independent garden center will be your best bet
    • Think about ultimate height and width of the plant you choose, make sure it will fit the space you have for it when it's reached maturity
    • Plant nectar plants in groups, to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects more easily
    • Ask for help if you need it. Most garden centers either have a landscape designer on staff or they can give you a reference of a designer that is adept at native plant wildlife gardening. There will be upfront costs but they are small when compared to having to redo a landscape that wasn't what you really wanted

    Our Plant Tags Hold the Secrets to Success

    Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice. 

    When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife. 

    A Special Note About Exposure

    Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
    Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
    Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.

    DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

    Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download

    Best Plants for Butterflies - Double sided printout for download

    Best Plants for Birds - Double sided printout for download