Leucophyllum frutescens ceniza, Texas purple sage, barometer bush grows 4–6 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide best in zones 7b–10 with hot summers and alkaline soils special attributes: Ceniza is a southwestern shrub with felted gray, green, or silver rounded foliage. Snapdragon-like flowers smother branches after thunderstorms and attract bees and hummingbirds. Selections include compact forms, and flowers in pink, lavender, purple, or white. Good in warm coastal conditions. Feeds caterpillars of checkerspot butterfly.”
— Waterwise Plants for Sustainable Gardens: 200 Drought-Tolerant Choices for all Climates by Scott Ogden, Lauren Springer Ogden
I have a long history of this plant. One of the first plants I planted in the back yard were four or so of these bushes. In the first year, three died from drought and the next year the last one died from overwatering. This is more of a testament to my cluelessness than the hardiness (or lack thereof) of this bush.
Many years (and much garden knowledge later), I purchased this plant again for the backyard side garden. I wanted to add some Silvery color. It has done well there with no effort. Dave then purchased a clearance bush that I have put it in the front garden... though I may have to transplant it one day, as I fear it will get too large for its space. I love the silvery foliage of this plant, and it’s surprising burst of purple flowers right before (or with my plants, right after) a rain.
Though in posting this plant overview, I find that I have so photos and almost no mention of this bush. I guess it is not a stand out, but I still might pick up another one day, as it is a steady bush with interesting foliage, that once or twice a year surprises with its burst of color.
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