Leucophyllum candidum also known as violet silver leaf – a rounded or irregular shrub

Image of Leucophyllum candidum plant from Google

Leucophyllum candidum which is also known as violet silver leaf is a rounded or irregular shrub that is evergreen and can grow upto a height of 3-5 feet. It is an herbaceous perennial shrub. It spreads equally to about 2-5 feet. The leaves are alternate and small and obovate. They appear fuzzy and are silvery white in color. The flowers are small too in leaf axils. They are blue or violet in color. They bloom from February – May. The fruits are small and stems are twiggy and white in color. They become woody as they grow older. The shrub is native of Texas and Mexico.

This plant needs full sun and well drained soil. The propagation is usually done from cuttings and watering should not be more than required. This shrub is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.

Growing conditions for Leucophyllum candidum
- Sow the seeds in autumn.
- This plant needs full sun and so select such a location.
- It grows in hardy zones of 7-11.
- This herb needs well drained soil.
- Add sandy compost in a greenhouse and sow the seeds.
- The seeds emerge seedlings and this is when prick the seedlings and transplant them in pots.
- Transplant them in late spring or early summer.
- Plants can be divided in early spring.
- Grow the plants in light shade until they root well.
- Plant them outside in summer.
- If cuttings are taken, plant in summer.
- Water this plant on alternate days for a week.
- This plant likes dry conditions.
- Pinch off the top of the stem to ensure new growth after 4 weeks.

Care for Leucophyllum candidum
- This perennial herb needs gritty well-drained soil.
- The perennial needs sunny position.
- It tolerates dry soils.
- Do not disturb the root once the plants are established.
- Fertilize this wormwood using liquid or general fertilizer every spring.
- Mulch the plant around to about 2-3 inches.
- Prune the shrub periodically for encouraging new growth.
- Add compost while planting.
- This plant needs about an hour of sunshine minimum daily.
- Prune the old leaves in the fall season.