
Vibrant red flowers clothe the purple-flushed stems of 'Royal Bumble' from early summer, putting on an eye-catching display in the border. Tolerant of coastal conditions and lightly dappled shade, with aromatic, glossy, deep-green leaves, this bushy salvia will keep your bees busy to the first frosts.
How to care for Salvia Royal Bumble:
To prolong flowering remove the flower spikes as soon as they start to fade. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring. Protect from excessive cold and waterlogged soils.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.6m
Eventual spread:
0.4m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.