Garden Bloggers' Blooms Day: Salvia 'Royal Bumble'

 

Salvia gregii 'Royal Bumble'

I confess it's third time lucky for my Salvia 'Royal Bumble' here at VP Gardens. Its predecessors have not survived the winter in two previous years and I thought this one had gone the same way. I was delighted to see some tiny signs of new growth when I cut it back in May and now it's beginning to take possession of its allotted spot. I'd be lying if I said its combination with its cotoneaster neighbour was by design, but now you come to mention it, I do like how the flowers of one and the berries of the other echo each other.

A closer look at Salvia 'Royal Bumble'

As you can see, the flowers are similar to those of Salvia 'Hot Lips' which I have in the terrace bed on the other side of the central steps. Unlike its cousin, the rich red flowers of 'Royal Bumble' stay a constant colour, and both are loved by bees (sadly not hummingbirds, we need to go across the pond for that). Both are listed as being semi hardy here in the UK and I'm pondering why 'Hot Lips' has survived many a winter here, yet 'Royal Bumble' hasn't. Their position could be key, because 'Hot Lips' is in full sun for most of the day whilst 'Royal Bumble' doesn't sit in sunshine until around an hour later. Both are protected by a garden wall, so fingers crossed both are here to stay, especially now the latter has put on some good growth over the summer. It's been in bloom since early July and I expect it to last until the first frosts at least, thus it provides good value for my garden.

This salvia grows to around 2 feet tall and wide and has yet to reach its full potential here at VP Gardens. I must cut back its cotoneaster companion to allow it to do so as it does shade it a little. I'll leave that until the spring as I think the cotoneaster might give it some shelter for the coming winter. In the meantime I'll give it a good protective mulch as soon as my recently made bagful has rotted down a little. I could also take some precautionary cuttings to overwinter in my coldframe... assuming I remember in time!

Which salvias do you grow in your garden? Any top tips for looking after them? There are some great suggestions in the comments.

Garden Bloggers Blooms Day is hosted by Carol at May Dreams Gardens.

Comments

  1. Lisa15 September 2020 at 15:54

    I lost two supposedly hardy salvias last year, and the winter wasn't as cold, Radio Red and Ultraviolet. Now I don't have salvia, except the culinary ones, which have beautiful flowers too. Garden sage, dwarf garden sage, and golden sage. I love hummingbird sage, and had it last for three or four years, but it shouldn't have.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VP24 September 2020 at 15:07

      Ooh I've not come across those, I must check them out. Thanks Lisa :)

      Delete
  2. Phillip Oliver15 September 2020 at 16:29

    Not familiar with this one. I grow 'Hot Lips'. I love 'Wendy's Wish' and 'Glowing Embers' but have to grow them as annuals. I think my favorite is 'Amistad'. It too is tender although I finally overwintered one this year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VP24 September 2020 at 15:08

      Sadly 'Wendy's Wish' didn't overwinter for me and 'Amistad' is a firm favourite here too, but only borderline hardy. You have excellent taste in Salvias!

      Delete
  3. Lea16 September 2020 at 01:25

    Pretty!
    Happy Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Pauline16 September 2020 at 05:22

    I really must try some salvias, I think I would have to make sure that I take cuttings as my soil is so wet and heavy over the winter, yours is very pretty. Next year I will be making my late summer border, so must get seed sowing, salvias included!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VP24 September 2020 at 15:09

      I'm on heavy clay too Pauline, but mine are in the terraced beds where I think the drainage might be sharper. I look forward to seeing how you get on next year :)

      Delete
  5. Arun Goyal16 September 2020 at 06:48

    This Salvia variety is unknown to me it would be my pleasure if you join my link up party related to Gardening here http://jaipurgardening.blogspot.com/2020/09/peacock-flower-beauty.html

    ReplyDelete
  6. Karin / Southern Meadows16 September 2020 at 11:50

    Really pretty! I have 'hot lips' and the hummingbirds are constantly visiting it. Happy Bloom Day!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VP24 September 2020 at 15:10

      Oh you and your hummers Karin, I'm so envious of you American gardeners!

      Delete
  7. Gone Tropical18 September 2020 at 04:10

    your Royal Rumble has a stunning color, I will have to try and find seeds. I did not know salvia grows from cuttings. I tried many different colors with hopes they stick around but it came down to the Salvias in pink and red. Not event the white wanted to grow in my garden :/

    ReplyDelete

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