Rio Bravo Sage

Leucophyllum langmaniae 'Rio Bravo'

Light

Water

Low water once established. Water deeply, then let soil dry between irrigations; occasional supplemental summer watering improves appearance and flowering. Water more regularly during establishment.

Size

4-5 ft tall × 4-5 ft wide

Habit

Rounded shrub

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Description

Rio Bravo sage (Leucophyllum langmaniae) is a dense, rounded desert shrub with green foliage and abundant lavender-purple flowers, well suited to Phoenix landscapes.

Bloom Time

Summer to fall

Deciduous / Evergreen

Evergreen

Special Features

Alkaline Soil Tolerant, Attracts Bees / Pollinators, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant, Reflected Heat Tolerant

Growth Rate

Moderate

Growth Habit

Rounded shrub

Mature Size

4-5 ft tall × 4-5 ft wide

Flower Color

Lavender-purple

Foliage Color

Green

Landscape Use

Border / Bed, Desert / Xeriscape, Foundation Planting, Hedge / Screen

Garden Style

Desert / Xeriscape, Hedge / Formal, Pollinator / Wildlife

Soil

Alkaline Tolerant, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained

Companion Plants

Blackfoot daisy, Desert marigold, Desert spoon, Parry's agave, Pink muhly grass, Red yucca

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Care Instructions

Light: Full sun; at least 6 hours daily promotes dense growth and abundant flowering. Tolerates light shade.

Water: Low water once established. Water deeply, then let soil dry between irrigations; occasional supplemental summer watering improves appearance and flowering. Water more regularly during establishment.

Soil: Well-drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil. Tolerates alkaline desert soils; avoid persistently wet soil and excessive fertilization.

Mature size: Typically 5–6 feet tall and wide.

Bloom: Repeated flushes from summer into fall, often following monsoon humidity and rain.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in Phoenix; may thin or lose some leaves during prolonged cold or severe drought.

Growth rate: Moderate.