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Cenizo (Texas sage): when to plant and care

Texas native; needs excellent drainage, no overwatering.

Botanical nameLeucophyllum frutescens
Typeshrub
USDA zones8–10
Sunfull sun
Watervery low
Bloomsummer, after rains
Mature size4–6 ft
Planting timeFall (preferred in the South and transition zone) or early spring
Silvery Texas sage (cenizo) branches with purple flowers
Photo: George E. Koronaios, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cool weather and warm soil let roots grow before summer heat; plant in spring in the coldest zones.

Example dates

PlaceDates
Austin, TX (78701)spring: Feb 24–Apr 21; fall: Sep 22–Dec 1
Atlanta, GA (30303)spring: Mar 10–May 5; fall: Sep 13–Nov 22
St. Louis, MO (63101)spring: Mar 18–May 13; fall: Sep 9–Nov 18
Chicago, IL (60614)spring: Mar 27–May 22; fall: Sep 10–Nov 19
Denver, CO (80202)spring: Apr 16–Jun 11; fall: Aug 17–Oct 26
Seattle, WA (98101)spring: Feb 27–Apr 24; fall: Sep 22–Dec 1

Every ZIP page has its own dates. Find your ZIP.

Pruning: when to prune.

State plant programs

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Sources

Summarized in our own words from public extension publications.

All plant guides