Texas Sage Shrubs

The monsoon season is upon us and the moisture it brings will be welcomed sight for many here in the Southwestern part of New Mexico.  Rabbits have been a big problem for folks who live in the out skirts of cities.  Right now they will eat just about anything including your  newly planted annuals and perennials.

Texas Sage Shrubs (leucophyllum) are about to bloom profusely.  They light up the landscape with bright bluish or purple colors.  This type of shrub does very well in the southwest and there are many varieties to choose from.

The Green cloud sage get about 8 maybe 10 feet tall if left alone but can be trimmed for some really nice border type shrubs.  Dark green foliage adds contrasts to the bright purple blooms

The Chihuahuan Sage is an evergreen shrub with light green foliage.  It is a showy and fragrant lavender flower that will bloom almost all summer long. Compact grower useful as a natural hedge, or xeriscaping landscape garden. It is a slow grower and can up to 5ft. tall.

Chaparral Sage (Salvia clevelandii) - Beautiful desert shrub with blue blooms during spring. 3ft high and wide. Gray Green foilage, low water and moderate grower. No thorns or allergies. Nice shrub for walkways or along shortUse in one's three's or five's for that natural look. 20 degress fahrenheit.


Compact Texas Sage. (Leucophyllum frutescens)
Silver gray foliage backs with pink blooms summer into fall. Compact means small and has rounded evergreen shrub useful for clipped hedges, borders. Tolerates drought, poor soils. This sage is disease and insect resistent, do not overwater. Loves the full Southwestern sun Moderate grower to 3 to 5 feet tall and wide.

There are many others but these are some of the more popular ones. Ask for them at your local nursery.

Watering plants during hot weather

I am often asked about watering during hot dry conditions.  Most folks who live in the Southwest will continue the same watering schedule as if it were spring or fall.  This is a big mistake.  Temperatures can rise up to 110degress farenheight during the mid day. 

Plants, trees are just like people and pets they need extra watering during this time.  If you are on water timer up your watering times about 5-10 minute more.  Most drought tolerant plants will be alright if they are well established.  This could be anywhere from 1 to 5 years and it all depends on what type of low watering plants they are.

It is important to do extra watering on non-native or plants that do better with extra moisture.   Watering in the early morning hours is best and deep watering is better than light...sprinkler type watering. 

Most first year planting of Junipers, Cypresses, and Pines will rarely recuperate if not enough water is added during the first year.  Once they dry up they will most likely perish.

I highly recommended adding a watering system to your landscaping.  Be sure to check for leaks and or proper watering flows. 

Click Here are some watering saving tips for those who are looking to save money on their water bill

Thanks from Paul Guzman
Southwestern Gardening Tips