Overview
Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble' is a bushy perennial shrub in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, containers, xeriscaping and pollinator gardens. It is native to southwest Texas and northern Mexico.
About
Salvia greggii, the autumn sage, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to a long, narrow area from southwest Texas, through the Chihuahuan Desert and into the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi, typically growing in rocky soils at elevations from 5,000 to 9,000 ft. It was named and described in 1870 by botanist Asa Gray after Josiah Gregg (1806–1850), a merchant, explorer, naturalist, and author from the American Southwest and Northern Mexico, who found and collected the plant in Texas.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia greggii
About the genus
Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the sage family Lamiaceae, with just under 1,000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Within the Lamiaceae, Salvia is part of the tribe Mentheae within the subfamily Nepetoideae. One of several genera commonly referred to as sage, it includes two widely used herbs, Salvia officinalis and Salvia rosmarinus.
Wikipedia contributors, "Salvia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Salvia
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy, rocky
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- exposed, sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- borders, containers, xeriscaping, pollinator gardens
- Native to
- southwest Texas, northern Mexico
- Fragrance
- mildly aromatic leaves
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
- Propagation
- cuttings, seed
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Powdery mildews, Verticillium wilt, Foot and root rots
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.
Where is the best place to plant Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble'?
Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble' need?
Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, sandy and rocky. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble'?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble' hardy in the UK?
Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble'?
Cuttings, seed.
More in the Salvia genus
- Perovskia 'Blue Spire'

- Rosmarinus prostratus

- Salvia 'Black and Blue'

- Salvia 'Ostfriesland'

- Salvia 'Rose Queen'

- Salvia 'Royal Bumble'

- Salvia bicolorSage

- Salvia forskaohleiSage
