No plant takes the heat better than this beautiful blooming bush.
The silvery leaves of Texas sage shrub offer a visual respite in the height of summer heat.
It should be planted in spring or fall to allow time for roots to establish.
Credit:Diana C. Kirby
Once established, Texas sage thrives in rocky soil and rough conditions.
Here’s everything you gotta know to grow and care for Texas sage.
Plant Attributes
Texas Sage Care
Texas sage is a woody evergreen shrub.
It thrives infull sunand will tolerate partial shade.
Texas sage is low maintenance.
It doesnt mind rocky soil and doesnt require fertilizing.
It can grow in coastal regions and tolerates drought and humidity well.
Light
Full sun to partial shade will yield the most blooms.
It doesn’t thrive in areas with too much shade and may become leggy under those conditions.
Give it at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.
Soil
Texas sage needs good drainage.
It will grow in a variety of rocky soils but doesnt like wet feet.
It grows best in alkaline soil and can grow in soil with poor nutrients.
Water
Once established, it doesnt need regular watering.
It can go months without water once established.
During periods of extreme drought, give it a deep watering and let it dry out before watering again.
Too much water can cause root rot.
It is both heat- and cold-tolerant to 12oF, and it thrives in extreme heat.
It may lose some leaves during cold weather.
It blooms with the onset of rain, increased humidity, and changes in barometric pressure.
Fertilize
There is no need to fertilize this shrub.
In late winter,prune to shapeand encourage bushier growth.
Get rid of old branches and trim the tips to encourage new growth.
This shrub can be pruned into a shaped hedge with shears.
For a hedge, thin the branches to allow for airflow.
Store the seeds in a cool, dry place during winter, such as the refrigerator.
In spring after the last frost,plant the seedsdirectly in the garden soil.
Scratch the seeds lightly into the soil’s surface.
Water the seeds regularly until the seeds germinate.
Then let the soil completely dry between waterings.
Potting And Repotting Texas Sage
Texas sage can begrown in containers.
In areas with high rainfall, containers or raised beds work well.
They need full sun and a pot with drainage holes and well-draining soil.
Choose a 10-inch pot to start and a 3-gallon pot for larger varieties.
The container may need more water than plants grown in the ground.
Add the plant to the pot at the same depth it is planted in its nursery container.
Water once or twice a week until established.
Then let the soil dry between waterings.
Overwintering
Texas sage is evergreen and can survive temperatures down to 10 to 15oF.
Prolonged freezing temperatures may damage leaves and stems.
Add mulch around the base for protection in colder climates.
Bring container plants indoors during winter.
Provide bright, indirect light, reduce watering, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Maintain a temperature between 60 and 70oF.
Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat pests.
Proper watering, well-drained soil, and plenty of sunlight can help prevent infestations.
Texas sage can be affected by root rot, a fungal disease due to overwatering and poorly draining soil.
check that the soil drains well, and only water when the soil is dry.
White or gray spots of powdery residue may indicate powdery mildew.
Avoid watering the plant at night and space plants apart to provide airflow.
Texas sage can suffer from cotton root rot if planted withoutsufficient drainageor if overwatered.
Cotton root rot is a fungal disease that affects plants in warm, damp soil.
Planting in a sunny location with well-drained soil will prevent this.
It is best to prevent this from happening as cotton root rot remains in the soil.
In warmer climates, it can bloom all year.
The small, tube-shaped purple, white, orpink flowersalso appear after rain or increased humidity.
To bloom, it needs warmth and humidity.
Pruning can also encourage more blooms.
Occasional issues gardeners may encounter can be fixed with adjustments to care.
Water deeply but less frequently and let the soil dry out before watering again.
Well-drained soil can also help.
Yellow leaves can also indicate fungal diseases because of overwatering.
Prolonged drought can also cause leaves to yellow and drop.
Adjust watering and let the soil dry between waterings.
Leggy Plants
Planting in too much shade may lead to leggy plants.
Regular pruning will keep Texas sage bushy and full.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pollinators like butterflies and birds are attracted to Texas sage.
Deer dont seek it out.
Grow Texas sage with other sun-loving plants like mandevilla, Mexican heather,Knock-Out roses, or muhly grass.
Texas sage belongs to theScrophulariaceaefamily.
