Laredo Texas Sage

What is Laredo Texas Ranger?

Leucophyllum zygophyllum 'Laredo' PPAF is a compact evergreen shrub commonly called Laredo Texas Ranger. This drought-tolerant plant grows 5 to 6 feet tall and wide, creating a dense rounded form perfect for xeriscapes, low hedges, and water-wise landscapes. Civano Growers exclusively propagates this selection for landscape professionals seeking resilient, low-maintenance plants adapted to hot, dry climates of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

How big does Laredo Texas Ranger grow?

Laredo reaches a mature height of 5 to 6 feet with an equal spread of 5 to 6 feet. The shrub develops a naturally rounded, dense canopy without requiring extensive pruning. Landscape architects can space plants 4 to 5 feet apart for hedge applications or 5 to 6 feet apart for mass plantings with visual separation. The medium size makes Laredo suitable for foundation plantings, border edges, rock gardens, screens, and properties where space allows for mid-sized shrubs.

What do Laredo flowers look like?

Laredo produces abundant lavender-pink bell-shaped flowers that cover the shrub throughout the growing season. Each flower measures approximately 1 inch long with a tubular bell form. The blooms appear most profusely after rainfall or during periods of increased humidity, creating dramatic color displays against the silver-gray foliage. The flowering period extends from late spring through fall, with peak bloom cycles occurring in summer and early autumn after monsoon rains.

When does Laredo Texas Ranger bloom?

Laredo blooms primarily from late spring through fall, typically from May through October. The shrub produces the most prolific flowering after rainfall events or increases in humidity. In regions with summer monsoon patterns, expect multiple heavy bloom cycles throughout the growing season. The extended bloom time provides months of color when many other landscape plants have finished flowering. Some sporadic blooming may occur during warm periods in mild winter climates.

What are the foliage characteristics of Laredo?

Laredo displays small silver-gray leaves covered in fine hairs that create a soft velvety texture. The dense foliage grows compactly along the branches, creating a full uniform appearance throughout the plant. The evergreen leaves maintain their distinctive silver-gray color year-round, providing consistent visual interest in winter landscapes. The unique silvery appearance adds a cooling effect to landscapes and contrasts beautifully with darker green plants or vibrant flowering perennials.

How much sun does Laredo need?

Laredo requires full sun exposure, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant performs best in locations receiving 8 or more hours of direct sun and tolerates intense afternoon heat without stress. Full sun exposure promotes the most prolific flowering and densest foliage growth. The shrub withstands reflected heat from hardscapes, walls, parking lots, and south or west facing exposures. Insufficient sunlight results in sparse flowering, open growth habit, and reduced plant vigor.

What are the water requirements for Laredo Texas Ranger?

Once established, Laredo demonstrates exceptional drought tolerance and survives on natural rainfall in most regions. During the establishment phase, which lasts 6 to 12 months, provide deep watering every 7 to 14 days. Established plants need little to no supplemental irrigation and only benefit from occasional deep watering during extended drought periods exceeding 4 to 6 weeks. Overwatering causes root rot, fungal diseases, and reduced flowering. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. This minimal water requirement makes Laredo ideal for properties with strict irrigation restrictions and water-conservation mandates.

What soil conditions does Laredo prefer?

Laredo grows best in well-drained soil and adapts to various soil types including sandy loam, rocky soil, caliche, decomposed granite, and poor soil conditions. The plant tolerates alkaline soil with pH levels between 7.0 and 8.5, which is typical in desert and southwestern regions. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot and fungal issues. Avoid planting in heavy clay, compacted soil, or poorly drained locations where water accumulates after rain. Laredo does not require soil amendments or rich organic soil to thrive.

How fast does Laredo grow?

Laredo exhibits a moderate growth rate, typically adding 8 to 12 inches of growth per year under optimal conditions. Plants reach mature size in 3 to 5 years depending on growing conditions and irrigation during establishment. The steady predictable growth allows landscape architects to plan spacing and design implementations accurately. The moderate pace means Laredo fills in landscape beds reliably without requiring constant pruning or becoming invasive like faster-growing shrubs.
Does Laredo attract pollinators and wildlife?

Yes, Laredo serves as an excellent pollinator plant throughout its extended blooming season. The nectar-rich flowers attract native bees, honeybees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. The lavender-pink blossoms draw pollinators from significant distances, making this shrub valuable for pollinator gardens, habitat restoration projects, and sustainable landscapes. The dense branching structure provides shelter and nesting sites for small birds. Laredo contributes to ecosystem health and biodiversity in urban and suburban landscapes where native habitat has been lost.

Is Laredo deer resistant?

Yes, Laredo naturally resists browsing by deer due to its aromatic foliage and dense branching structure. The fine hairs covering the leaves also deter deer from feeding on the plant. Properties experiencing high deer pressure can incorporate this shrub in vulnerable areas where tender plants typically suffer damage. This natural resistance reduces maintenance needs, plant replacement costs, and the need for deer fencing or repellents in rural and suburban settings.

What hardiness zones support Laredo Texas Ranger?

Laredo grows successfully in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10. The plant tolerates winter temperatures down to 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit once established. In zone 7, some leaf damage or dieback may occur during severe cold snaps below 5 degrees Fahrenheit, but plants typically recover and regrow from the base in spring. Heat tolerance extends through zone 10, where Laredo withstands summer temperatures exceeding 115 degrees Fahrenheit without stress, wilting, or damage.

How do you prune Laredo Texas Ranger?

Laredo requires minimal pruning to maintain its natural rounded form. Perform light shaping in late winter or early spring before new growth begins if size control becomes necessary. Remove spent flower stalks after major bloom cycles to keep the plant tidy. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and plant health. Avoid heavy pruning or shearing, which creates an unnatural appearance and reduces flowering potential. The shrub maintains its attractive compact shape with little intervention, making it ideal for low maintenance landscapes.

What are common problems with Laredo?

Laredo experiences few pest or disease problems when grown in appropriate conditions. Root rot occurs in poorly drained soil or with excessive irrigation, which is the most common cultural problem. Powdery mildew may appear in humid climates with inadequate air circulation or in shaded locations. Spider mites occasionally affect plants under severe drought stress or in dusty environments. Proper siting in full sun with excellent drainage and appropriate minimal irrigation prevents most issues. The plant demonstrates strong natural resistance to common landscape pests and diseases.

How do you use Laredo in landscape design?

Landscape architects and designers incorporate Laredo in multiple applications. The 5 to 6 foot size works well for medium hedges along walkways, property lines, and garden borders. Individual specimens serve as focal points in xeriscape designs, rock gardens, and desert-themed landscapes. Mass plantings create bold textural contrast with the silver-gray foliage and seasonal color bursts during bloom periods. Laredo works effectively as a foundation plant, in mixed borders with lower-growing perennials, along street medians, in parking lot islands, and in commercial landscapes requiring low-maintenance drought-tolerant plants.

What plants pair well with Laredo Texas Ranger?

Laredo combines effectively with other drought-tolerant plants including red yucca, agave, penstemon, autumn sage, damianita, desert marigold, and ornamental grasses like Mexican feathergrass. The lavender-pink flowers coordinate beautifully with yellow-flowering perennials and the silver-gray foliage complements blue-gray agaves and other succulents. For contrasting foliage color, pair Laredo with deep green shrubs like rosemary or dark-leafed plants. The silver foliage creates cohesive combinations with other gray-leafed plants including artemisia, lavender, and santolina.

Can Laredo grow in containers?

Yes, Laredo adapts to container culture for patios, courtyards, and rooftop gardens. Use containers at least 20 to 24 inches in diameter with drainage holes to accommodate the mature size. Fill with well-drained cactus and succulent potting mix that allows water to drain freely. Container-grown plants require more frequent watering than in-ground specimens but still demonstrate good drought tolerance between waterings. Monitor soil moisture and allow it to dry between waterings. Container cultivation allows designers to incorporate Laredo on balconies and in areas with challenging soil conditions.

What makes Laredo different from other Texas Ranger varieties?

Laredo distinguishes itself through its distinctive silver-gray foliage covered in fine velvety hairs, which creates a softer appearance than many Texas Ranger selections. The lavender-pink flower color differs from the purple, blue, or white blooms seen in other varieties. The 5 to 6 foot mature size makes it versatile for various landscape applications, fitting between compact varieties and full-sized selections. The Leucophyllum zygophyllum species designation indicates distinct botanical characteristics from the more common Leucophyllum frutescens types.

Why choose Laredo for sustainable landscapes?

Laredo offers multiple sustainability benefits for landscape projects. The minimal water requirements reduce irrigation demands by 70 to 85 percent compared to traditional landscape shrubs. The evergreen foliage eliminates seasonal replanting and reduces green waste generation. Strong pollinator support contributes to ecosystem health and biodiversity conservation. Minimal fertilizer and pesticide needs lower chemical inputs and reduce environmental impact. Natural pest and disease resistance reduces maintenance labor and resource use. These characteristics make Laredo ideal for LEED-certified projects, water-conservation mandates, drought-tolerant landscape requirements, and environmentally responsible landscape designs.

Where can professionals source Laredo?

Civano Growers produces Leucophyllum zygophyllum 'Laredo' PPAF exclusively for the professional landscape trade. Landscape architects, designers, and contractors can source this plant through authorized wholesale distributors and retail partners. The PPAF designation indicates this selection has patent applied for status, ensuring quality genetics, performance consistency, and legal protection for the cultivar.

How do you establish Laredo in new landscapes?

Plant Laredo in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate for best establishment results. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Backfill with native soil without amendments in most cases, as Laredo adapts to existing soil conditions. Water deeply at planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season. Reduce watering frequency gradually as the plant establishes its root system. Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk to prevent moisture retention against the stem. Avoid fertilizing during the first year.

Summary for landscape professionals

Leucophyllum zygophyllum 'Laredo' PPAF delivers exceptional performance for water-conscious landscape designs across the Southwest. This 5 to 6 foot evergreen shrub produces abundant lavender-pink flowers from late spring through fall, features distinctive silver-gray velvety foliage, attracts pollinators, resists deer, and thrives in full sun with minimal water. Exclusively grown by Civano Growers, Laredo serves landscape architects and designers seeking versatile, low-maintenance plants for xeriscapes, hedges, mass plantings, and sustainable landscape projects across USDA zones 7 through 10.