With more than 6,000 species of California native plants, you would think that would be enough for a garden devoted exclusively to them.

Yet occasionally you come across a plant with a pedigree that matches that of the most revered California native and, on top of that, is absolutely spectacular when in bloom – so much so that you cannot resist sneaking it into your garden that is otherwise restricted to species indigenous to this state.

Texas sage is such a plant, and to see it in full bloom in November is to want it near your own front door, where it can be properly appreciated.

In truth, it has no botanical relationship to true sages (Salvia spp.) but is a member of the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). As such, it is related to the snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), a North African an

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