Buy sage Salvia 'Royal Bumble'

Salvia 'Royal Bumble'

sage

Vibrant red flowers clothe the purple-flushed stems of Salvia '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:

When planting, improve drainage by incorporating compost and adding horticultural grit or sand to heavier soils. Space plants 30-45cm (12-18in) apart and water thoroughly.

Deadhead spent flower spikes promptly to encourage continuous blooming. Apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of composted bark or gravel in early spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid manure-based mulches, which can be too rich.

Feed with a high-potash fertiliser, such as tomato feed, once growth resumes in spring to promote flowering. Water regularly during dry spells but ensure the soil remains well-drained to prevent root rot.

In colder regions, it may die back, so provide winter protection by applying a dry mulch around the base or lifting and potting up plants to overwinter in a frost-free location.

Flowering period:

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.