Violet Silverleaf
Leucophyllum candidum
A silver-leaved shrub with small yellow flowers from spring through fall that attract hummingbirds.
Hardy in USDA zones 8-11; a Chihuahuan native tolerant of mid-desert cold and extreme low-desert heat, evergreen and unbothered by frost.
AMWUA Notes
A drought-tolerant silverleaf sage that rots if overwatered; its rain-triggered bloom flushes earn it the barometer-bush nickname.
Care Guide
Once established it is drought tolerant and prone to root rot from overwatering; water deeply but infrequently, roughly every 2 weeks in summer, with excellent drainage.
Do NOT shear this sage into a ball, a common mistake that removes bloom wood and hollows the center; instead thin selectively and lightly head back in late winter to keep a natural form.
No fertilizer needed; it flowers best in lean soil.
Cotton root rot in overwatered clay is the main risk; otherwise pest-free.
Evergreen with intensely silver-white foliage; violet-purple flowers erupt in flushes after summer humidity and rain, hence the folk name barometer bush.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Lean, rocky, sharply drained soils; needs caliche or alkaline pH 7.5-8.5 and rots in clay or lawn soil.
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
From seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
5 ft
Non-aggressive roots; safe near pools and paving.
Placement Tips
- •A rounded 6 ft shrub; space 5 ft apart for an informal silver hedge or foundation planting.
- •Its bright silver foliage is a strong color contrast against masonry and green plants.
- •Low litter makes it pool-friendly, but never plant in a lawn or overwatered zone.
- •Give it full sun and fast-draining soil; reflected heat only intensifies the bloom.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Wildlife Value
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Violet Silverleaf. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Violet Silverleaf — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Violet Silverleaf need in Phoenix?
Violet Silverleaf is a low-water shrub once established. Once established it is drought tolerant and prone to root rot from overwatering; water deeply but infrequently, roughly every 2 weeks in summer, with excellent drainage. A drought-tolerant silverleaf sage that rots if overwatered; its rain-triggered bloom flushes earn it the barometer-bush nickname.
How big does Violet Silverleaf get?
Expect roughly 6 ft tall and 6 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 5 ft of spacing when planting. Non-aggressive roots; safe near pools and paving.
Can you plant Violet Silverleaf near a pool?
Yes. Violet Silverleaf is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Violet Silverleaf handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Violet Silverleaf is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Hardy in USDA zones 8-11; a Chihuahuan native tolerant of mid-desert cold and extreme low-desert heat, evergreen and unbothered by frost. Evergreen with intensely silver-white foliage; violet-purple flowers erupt in flushes after summer humidity and rain, hence the folk name barometer bush.
Does Violet Silverleaf have thorns?
No. Violet Silverleaf is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Violet Silverleaf safe around pets?
Violet Silverleaf is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Violet Silverleaf bloom in Arizona?
Violet Silverleaf blooms in spring-fall, with small yellow flowers. The bloom draws hummingbirds.
How much maintenance does Violet Silverleaf need?
Violet Silverleaf is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Do NOT shear this sage into a ball, a common mistake that removes bloom wood and hollows the center; instead thin selectively and lightly head back in late winter to keep a natural form.
What kind of soil does Violet Silverleaf need?
Lean, rocky, sharply drained soils; needs caliche or alkaline pH 7.5-8.5 and rots in clay or lawn soil. It needs no supplemental feeding. No fertilizer needed; it flowers best in lean soil.
Is Violet Silverleaf native to Arizona?
No. Violet Silverleaf is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Chihuahuan Desert, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.