From the first tinge of lavender-pink it takes another couple of days for full bloom which arrived today -- just in time for Wildflower Wednesday.
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Native to South Texas and down into Mexico, these are 'Silverado' variety. The true natives are a bit scrawny and sporadic for a neighborhood landscape. While there were a few of those in our original landscape, they were removed over time and replaced by this fuller commercially grown version with intense flower color contrasted with gray-green foliage. Despite common names which include Texas Sage, it's not a true sage which means it is not in genus Salvia.
Still close enough to the original to be a Wildflower Wednesday pick. Shrubs can be wildflowers too.
Morning sun brings out more vibrant color
As soon as the blooms are out the bees get busy since the blooms only last a few days.
Even with its rare bloom, this reminds me why I chose to plant Leucophyllum frutescens along the driveway.
Wildflower Wednesday is hosted by Gail at Clay and Limestone on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
Holy moly what a beauty and just in time for WW! I love it!
ReplyDeleteYes, perfect timing. They are stunning!
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous, Shirley. I had a relatively small flush of flowers on my Leucophyllum a few weeks ago, which must have been a response to the marine layer as we've yet to get any actual rain. We have a chance of some in the forecast for the end of the week but it's dwindling as the weekend grows closer.
ReplyDeleteI think moisture on the leaves is the push it needs. Several years ago when we were in drought for most of two years we did have a light flush of blooms after few humid, cloudy days but it does take a good downpour to get the look in this photo.
DeleteAbsolutely stunning Shirley. Now it surely will be our turn soon to see such a majestic display.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gracious response to some welcome rain!
ReplyDelete