At last - I found a specimen of this plant for sale
It was in a garden centre in Paphos, and I was especially pleased to get the plant I did - because it is a very nicely grey-leaved form. I am sure this colouration is not just due to season / rainfall / cultural conditions, because it was right next to another specimen, of similar stature, which was the (more usual) green-leaved type.
The plant looked gorgeous; I had to have it!
It was a bit scrappy in its lower branches, but that'll disappear in time.
I have not planted it yet, but am pleased to see the bees have already found it.
It has several common names; note that Cenizo means 'ashen' in Spanish.
Dear forum readers, what common name do you use for it?
I would just like to ask if anybody has comments about the grey-green nature of the leaves. Is there a continuous spectrum or are there distinct forms (and if so, are there names?)
(I note: "In 1982 Benny Simpson released two unusual selections: 'White Cloud', with white flowers, and 'Green Cloud', with green instead of silver leaves" -
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/leucophyllumfrutes.htm.)
Update: I have stumbled across 'Silverado' -
http://www.learn2grow.com/plants/leucophyllum-frutescens-silverado/.
From my researches, it appears to be an excellent shrub for med. gardens (so it is about time it was mentioned on this forum!). Some extracts showing why I say that:
- "commonly used for edge and area plantings in warmer and drier areas; it requires minimal water, is easily shaped into hedges, and blooms over the entire surface." (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucophyllum_frutescens);
- "doesn't like rich soil or being fed, does like a little water to keep it going until it is established"
- "grows on rocky caliche slopes and stony, calcareous soils. It is extremely drought and heat tolerant and maintenance-free once established", "to thrive in a landscape, it must have full sun and very well-drained alkaline soil. Although watering in dry summer months will make it grow faster, overwatering or poor drainage will quickly kill it, and shade will promote leggy growth and less flowering", "not susceptible to pests or diseases other than cotton root rot, which well-drained soil will discourage", "hardy to 5 degrees F" (
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/leucophyllumfrutes.htm)
- "high tolerance to extreme heat, salt and wind make it even more useful for tough landscapes" (
http://www.learn2grow.com/plants/leucophyllum-frutescens-silverado/)
