Salvia 'Royal Bumble'
sage
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full light (with a little shade during the hottest part of the day)
- Soil: well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: August to October
- Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
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.
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.