Perennials

Perennial sage 'Bumbleblue'

Salvia nemorosa

Salvia ‘Bumbleblue’: 35 cm high and 40 cm spread, full sun. Blue flowers in June-July. Zone 3; choose soil compatible with its moisture needs.

Format

Share
Exposure
Sun
Life cycle
Hardy perennial
Hardiness
Zone 3

Discover the plant

Common namePerennial sage 'Bumbleblue'
FamilyLamiaceae
GenusSalvia
Speciesforest
CultivarBumbleblue
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical nameSalvia nemorosa

Salvia nemorosa 'Bumbleblue', known in the garden as Perennial Salvia 'Bumbleblue', combines blue-toned blooms with a size that is easy to place in a composition. Among its distinctive features: aromatic foliage. The foliage has shades of green, to be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is June-July. Its size of 35 cm by 40 cm gives it a place in the middle of a flower bed and group plantings, without forgetting the space for its neighbours.

The success of Perennial Salvia 'Bumbleblue' begins with its location: full sun, in suitable soil (well-drained, rather light; avoid water pockets around the crown). After planting Perennial Salvia 'Bumbleblue', water enough to thoroughly moisten the root ball. Once established, let the surface dry between waterings and prioritize drainage, especially during mild spells. Keep 40 cm as a guideline between plants; this helps preserve their shape and access for care. The indicated hardiness zone is 3, to be appreciated according to your garden's conditions.

The maintenance of Perennial Salvia 'Bumbleblue' mainly relies on observing the clump: cut spent spikes above healthy basal foliage; the extent of reblooming depends on the selection and climate. Sufficient light and well-drained soil help border salvias maintain strong stems. For associations, consider yarrows, upright sedums, and catmints in varieties with similar needs. Keep its 35 cm height in mind to place shorter plants on the correct side and allow the flowers to be visible during June-July.

Sauge vivace ‘Bumbleblue’ — Salvia nemorosa

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density 15.75 in
Best planting time Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing the roots time to establish themselves before the severe cold weather.
Propagation Stem cuttings. Seedlings do not guarantee the fidelity of a named cultivar.
Growing method
Perennial Salvia ‘Bumbleblue’: In spring after the ground thaws, or in early fall, allowing roots to establish before severe cold. After planting Perennial Salvia ‘Bumbleblue’, water enough to thoroughly moisten the root ball. Once established, allow the surface to dry between waterings and prioritize drainage, especially during thaws. Sufficient light and well-draining soil help border salvias maintain strong stems.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Care level

Routine maintenance

Watering

After planting 'Bumbleblue' Perennial Sage, water enough to thoroughly moisten the root ball. Once established, allow the surface to dry between waterings and prioritize drainage, especially during thaws.

Soil type

Well-drained, rather light; avoid waterlogged areas around the collar

Fertilization

Fertilizer for flowering

Moisture

Low to medium after establishment; drainage takes priority

Seasonal care

Salvia nemorosa ‘Bumbleblue’: remove spent spikes above healthy basal foliage; the extent of rebloom depends on the selection and climate. During its flowering period (June-July), also monitor for damaged stems and neighboring plants that might obscure the clump.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

Stable and perforated container, significantly wider than the root ball; size to be adapted to the format sold and to the adult development.
To try the ‘Bumbleblue’ perennial sage in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes that is suited to the root ball and its future size (40 cm). Water should drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than you would for plants in the ground. Plan for container protection in winter depending on your climate.
Sauge vivace ‘Bumbleblue’

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

14 inches (35.5 cm)

Width / spread

16 inches (40.5 cm)

Flower color

Blue

Foliage color

Green

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Erected

Fragrance

Aromatic foliage

Bloom period

June-July
Sauge vivace ‘Bumbleblue’

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Associations to consider for Salvia nemorosa 'Bumbleblue': yarrows, upright sedums, catmints. Choose varieties that can tolerate sun and comparable moisture; allow each clump its adult space.

Plants to avoid

Around ‘Bumbleblue’ perennial sage, above all, avoid neighbors that would cover its leaves or strongly compete with its rootball. Light, water, and spread compatibility take precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Where to plant Perennial Salvia 'Bumbleblue'?
Provide sun and well-drained, rather light soil; avoid water pooling around the collar. Sufficient light and well-drained soil help border sages maintain strong stems.
Where should I plant Salvia 'Bumbleblue'?
Expect a height of about 35 cm and a width of 40 cm at maturity. Allow about 40 cm between centers, to be adjusted according to the actual development of the clump. This size is suitable for use in the middle of a flower bed and for group plantings.
When does Salvia nemorosa 'Bumbleblue' bloom?
The period indicated is June-July. The flower palette is blue. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, the season, and the plant's establishment.
How to water and care for Perennial Salvia 'Bumbleblue'?
After planting perennial Sage 'Bumbleblue,' water enough to thoroughly moisten the root ball. Once established, allow the surface to dry out between waterings and prioritize drainage, especially during thaws. Cut spent flower spikes above healthy basal foliage; the extent of reblooming depends on the selection and climate.
Can perennial Salvia 'Bumbleblue' be grown in a pot?
To try ‘Bumbleblue’ perennial sage in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (40 cm). Water should drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than if planted in the ground. Plan for container protection in winter depending on your climate.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.