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Texas Sage, Compact
Cenizo, Compact
Leucophyllum frutescens 'Compacta'
Compact Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens ‘Compacta’), often called Compact Cenizo, is a Texas native evergreen shrub valued for its smaller stature and dependable performance in hot, dry landscapes. Compared to standard Texas Sage selections, Compacta maintains a tighter, more controlled habit, making it especially useful where space is limited but durability is still required. While numerous newer compact Texas Sage cultivars are now on the market—many protected by patents or trademarks—‘Compacta’ remains the classic, unbranded compact selection, valued for consistent performance and ease of production.
In the Texas landscape, Compact Senisa performs best in full sun, where it develops a dense form and produces periodic lavender to purple blooms, commonly following humidity spikes or summer rains. It prefers well-drained, alkaline soils but will tolerate mildly acidic soils if drainage is excellent. This shrub is highly drought tolerant, deer resistant, and non-toxic to pets. Like other Leucophyllum, it does not tolerate heavy irrigation or poorly drained sites and should not be planted in lawns or frequently watered beds.
Compact Texas Sage typically matures at 3–4 feet tall and wide, making it well suited for low hedges, borders, foundation plantings, and mass plantings. When planted together, space plants 3–4 feet apart to allow them to fill in naturally without overcrowding. Its compact size reduces the need for frequent pruning, and excessive shearing should be avoided to preserve natural form and flowering.
In colder winters, some leaf drop or minor tip damage may occur during hard freezes, but plants generally rebound quickly in spring if soils remain dry. Avoid winter pruning, as it can increase cold sensitivity and delay recovery.
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Full Sun |
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Compact form |
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Deer resistant |
Flower Color:Purple
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Height:3-4 Feet
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Spread:3-4 Feet
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Spacing:3-4 feet
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Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips for Leucophyllum frutescens 'Compacta'
Prune late winter for uniform shape.
USDA Hardiness Zone 8a
Available Sizes:
| Item |
Description |
| SAG-COM-05 |
#005 TEXAS SAGE, COMPACT |
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Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Texas Native
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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