A bee feasts on a sage
Although its parent plant has been a part of Texas lore for centuries, the Green Cloud sage is a relatively new addition to the landscape. It was introduced as a hybrid in the early 1980s. The Green Cloud, a member of the Texas Sage family, has a number of relative hybrids, each with their own distinct characteristics. Does this Spark an idea?
Green Cloud
The Green Cloud sage plant is a cultivar of the Texas Sage plant of the genus Leucophyllum frutescens. Texas Sage may also be referred to as Texas ranger, Chihuahuan sage, Cenizo or the Texas Barometer Bush. The Green Cloud Texas Sage hybrid sprouts magenta flowers and grows to between 6 and 8 feet in width and height. The differential in leaves sets Green Cloud apart from its parent bush. The Green Cloud has smooth, dark green leaves while the Cenizo has fuzzy silver leaves. According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin, the Green Cloud was released in 1982 and trademarked by Texas A&M. The center report says Green Cloud sage should not be fertilized or overly watered as a combination of humidity and high evening temperatures in some locales can damage the roots of the plant.
Texas Sage
All Texas sages, including the Green Cloud, must have proper drainage to avoid root rot. Placement in full sun is ideal although semi-sunshine is acceptable. "When planted in part shade locations, the plants will have a more open, sparse appearance and the blossoms will not be as profuse," according to the University of Arizona Mohave County Cooperative Extension Service. The plant is tolerant to drought conditions and attempts to grow it in areas with significant moisture can prove problematic. The Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M suggests it be planted in raised beds in areas of high rainfall or poorly draining soil. Its flowers are nearly always purple with an occasional white or pink tinge. Outside of the state, Texas Sage is sometimes referred to as Purple Sage and referenced as such in the Zane Grey novel "Riders of the Purple Sage."
Other Texas Sage Hybrids
Other hybrids of Texas Sage include the White Cloud, which holds white flowers and grows to between 5 and 6 feet in height and width and the Compacta, with light purple flowers and a growth of 4 to 5 feet. The Silver Cloud Texas Sage boasts white foliage and deep purple flowers, while the Heavenly Cloud develops dark green foliage, indigo flowers and can range from 4 to 6 feet. The Rain Cloud hybrid has gray foliage and dark purple flowers, while the Rio Bravo grows thick, green leaves, lavender flowers and may spread to as much as 5 to 6 feet.
Tags: Green Cloud, Texas Sage, Cloud sage, Green Cloud sage, purple flowers, between feet, Cloud Texas
