Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble'

Description and Key Characteristics

Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble' is a striking, evergreen subshrub renowned for its vivid, velvety red flowers and compact, upright form. A cultivar of Salvia greggii, commonly known as autumn sage or Texas sage, this plant originates from the arid regions of southwestern North America and northern Mexico. It is widely valued for its long flowering season, aromatic foliage, and ability to thrive in dry, sunny conditions.

'Royal Bumble' typically grows to 60–80 cm in height and 40–60 cm in spread, with multiple dark red stems and rich green, fine-textured leaves. It flowers profusely from late spring until the first frost, and is particularly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its compact size, bold colour, and low-maintenance nature make it an ideal choice for borders, containers, gravel gardens, and wildlife-friendly planting schemes.

• Velvety, deep crimson-red flowers with dark stems

• Long flowering from late spring through autumn

• Aromatic, evergreen foliage in mild climates

• Upright, bushy habit suitable for small gardens and containers

• Excellent for pollinator support

• Drought-tolerant once established

• Hardy to approximately -5°C (USDA Zones 7–10)

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble' is easy to grow, requiring minimal care once established. It thrives in full sun, resents heavy or wet soils, and responds well to regular pruning to keep its shape and encourage flowering.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun (at least 6 hours daily) for best flowering

  • Will tolerate light shade, but blooms may be reduced and stems may become leggy

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils

  • Will tolerate poor soil and drought once established

  • Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils—improve drainage with grit or organic matter

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the first growing season

  • Once established, needs only occasional watering in prolonged dry spells

  • Do not overwater; excess moisture may lead to root rot

• Feeding and Mulching:

  • Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage new growth and flowering

  • Avoid overfeeding, which can produce soft, leggy stems

  • Light mulch in spring conserves moisture and improves soil condition, but avoid mulching too close to the crown

• Pruning Guidelines:

  • Lightly trim after each flowering flush to maintain shape and stimulate new blooms

  • In early spring, prune back more heavily to around 10–15 cm above ground to remove woody growth and encourage fresh stems

  • Avoid pruning late in the growing season to prevent frost damage to new shoots

Design Uses, Companion Plants and Pest Resistance

‘Royal Bumble’ is an ideal choice for gardeners seeking long-lasting colour, low maintenance, and pollinator-friendly planting. Its compact, vibrant presence works in a range of settings, from formal to naturalistic gardens.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for cottage gardens, gravel gardens, Mediterranean planting schemes, and containers

  • Adds vibrant colour to sunny borders and terrace displays

  • Useful in wildlife gardens to support bees and hummingbirds

• Companion Plants:

  • Combines beautifully with nepeta, lavender, achillea, sedum, gaura, and ornamental grasses

  • Works well alongside silver foliage plants like artemisia or perovskia for strong colour contrast

  • Use in repetition to create bold, cohesive drifts of colour

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally pest-free and disease-resistant

  • May occasionally be visited by aphids or spider mites, especially in dry indoor conditions

  • Good airflow and well-drained soil prevent most fungal issues

• Container Growing:

  • Performs well in pots or patio planters

  • Use a gritty, peat-free compost mix with added drainage material

  • Water thoroughly, but allow compost to dry between waterings

  • Ideal for moveable displays that can be sheltered in colder weather

• Wildlife & Seasonal Benefits:

  • Provides nectar for pollinators well into autumn

  • Evergreen foliage in mild regions adds structure year-round

  • May require winter protection in exposed or frosty areas—use fleece or mulch, or overwinter in a greenhouse

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.