A hardy, shrubby, red-flowering salvia . 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. Garden care: 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.
