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 4.0Salvia 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 4.0Salvia

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

Browse all Salvia