Family Name: Scrophulariaceae

Synonyms: Leucophyllum frutescens f. albiflorum, Leucophyllum frutescens f. albineum, Leucophyllum texanum, Terania frutescens

Common Name: Barometer Bush, Ash Plant, Cenizo, Texas Ranger, Texas Silver Leaf, Purple Sage

Leucophyllum frutescens is an ornamental compact shrub with silver grey leaves and purple tubular flowers. Flowering is triggered when there is significant high humidity especially after rain, hence the common name, Barometer Bush.

CLASSIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

Plant Division : Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)

Plant Growth Form : Shrub

Lifespan (in Singapore) : Perennial

Mode of Nutrition : Autotrophic

Plant Shape : Shrubby, Open

Maximum Height : 1.2 m to 2.4 m

Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width : 1.5 m

PLANT CARE AND PROPAGATION

Light Preference : Full Sun

Water Preference : Little Water, Moderate Water

Plant Growth Rate : Moderate

Planting Distance From : 0

Planting Distance To : 1

Maintenance Requirements : Moderate

Pruning : Practise tip-pruning of selective stems to maintain shape and prevent legginess with age. Avoid shearing.

Fertilizing : Minimal. Sparse flowering and more sprawling leggy form if fertilizer is applied.

Diseases : Stem rot, galls, powdery mildew, scale insects, root rot

Propagation Method : Seed, Stem Cutting

Propagule Establishment Remarks : Stem cuttings easily rooted in sand or water.

Maintenance Requirements Remarks : Avoid excessive watering for more compact form and to prevent leaf-drop. Water during establishment, treat like desert plant subsequently.