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Leucophyllum frutescens 'Compactum'

Image of Leucophyllum frutescens 'Compactum'

Maureen Gilmer

Family

Scrophulariaceae

Botanical Name

Leucophyllum frutescens 'Compactum'

Plant Common Name

Cenizo, Compact Texas Silverleaf, Texas Silverleaf

General Description

This is likely the oldest Texas barometerbush variety in cultivation, but it remains the most popular due to its smaller, more versatile size. In all other respects it retains the same look as the parent species.

This is one of the most beautiful and resilient shrubs for arid climates. Its bright blooms are purple-pink and glow against its fine, felty, silver leaves. Texas barometerbush originates from New Mexico, Texas and Mexico and is named for its ability to quickly respond to precipitation. Rain or soil moisture quickly triggers flowering, so the plants act as living barometers.

This evergreen shrub has fine, oval leaves that densely line the stems. They are soft and silvery gray. From summer through fall, it intermittently bursts into bloom for short periods engulfing the plants in color. The purple-pink to violet-pink, tubular, lipped flowers are relatively large and very showy. They draw lots of pollinators—to include hummingbirds and butterflies—and the foliage is larval food for certain butterfly and moth species.

Texas barometerbush thrives in full sun and extremely well-drained limestone soils. A tolerance of limited soil fertility and sandy gravelly conditions make this a valuable shrub for arid droughty regions. Deer resistance and a high tolerance to extreme heat, salt and wind make it even more useful for tough landscapes. It is low-maintenance but can be sheared to adopt a more formal appearance—though shearing will reduce flowering.

This shrub resembles a Mediterranean chaparral species, so it makes a perfect substitute for European inspired gardens. It is also ideal for foundations, large containers and shrub borders.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 8

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    8 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m

  • Width

    3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall

  • Native To

    Southwestern United States, Texas, Mexico

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought, Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Purple, Pink, Violet

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Silver

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Silver

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Silver

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Silver

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    Yes

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Edging, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No