Cenizo (Leucophyllum frutescens) is beautiful this time of year shortly after a rainfall or even when it is heavily humid. That is the only time it flowers and it is difficult to trick it by watering. We’ve had a few scattered showers lately so maybe that’s why suddenly they seem to be blooming all over town today.

This is another example of a plant that is native to a drier, more alkaline environment than we have here in North Texas, but it seems to be able to make the adaptation as long as it gets sufficient drainage. The late horticulturist Benny Simpson promoted the use of this plant for landscaping and now it is becoming quite common to see it. It’s silvery grey foliage makes a nice contrast to traditional landscape plants. It is evergreen (or ever-grey) and can even be sheared into hedges if you are inclined that way.

This one has grown larger than I expected it to. It was advertised as a “compact” version, but it is nevertheless about six feet tall. I do shear it once a year in the winter to help it stay in shape and keep it out of the driveway.