Leucophyllum frutescens Plant Care

Leucophyllum frutescens (Leucophyllum frutescens) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Leucophyllum genus. Leucophyllum frutescens is native to the U.

Leucophyllum frutescens displays a compact, drought-tolerant shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Leucophyllum frutescens produces tubular purple, pink, or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Leucophyllum frutescens every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Leucophyllum frutescens thrives in full sun.

Leucophyllum frutescens tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Leucophyllum frutescens prefers humidity levels of 10–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with gravel for good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Leucophyllum frutescens to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Leucophyllum frutescens every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with gravel for good drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Leucophyllum frutescens is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Leucophyllum frutescens can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Leucophyllum frutescens while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Leucophyllum frutescens is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Leucophyllum frutescens can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to leucophyllum langmaniae plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Leucophyllum frutescens is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Leucophyllum frutescens grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Leucophyllum frutescens is native to the U. In cooler regions, grow Leucophyllum frutescens as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.