Salvia nemorosa 'Bumbleberry'

Strongly attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The tubular flowers are a favorite nectar source throughout the summer. Resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly yet low-maintenance gardens.

A long-blooming perennial, flowering from late spring to early fall with proper deadheading. Foliage remains fresh and green through the season and dies back in winter before re-emerging in spring.

Pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, borders, mass plantings, rock gardens, and containers

Medium green, narrow, textured leaves with a slightly wrinkled surface and serrated edges. The foliage forms dense, aromatic mounds that release a pleasant herbal scent when touched.

Produces striking fuchsia-pink to magenta-purple flower spikes that rise above the foliage from late spring through midsummer, with a second flush in late summer when trimmed. The flowers are densely packed on short, sturdy stems that hold color well and resist flopping.

Plant ‘Bumbleberry’ in spring or early fall in well-drained soil enriched with compost. Choose a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Set the plant so the crown is level with the soil surface, then backfill, firm the soil gently, and water deeply to settle it in. Space plants about 14–18 inches apart for air circulation and even growth. Avoid heavy clay or overly wet soil to prevent root rot.

Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly to encourage continuous blooming. After the main bloom flush in early summer, shear the plant back by one-third to promote a second bloom later in the season. In late fall or early spring, cut the entire plant back to a few inches above the crown to refresh growth.

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and prefers moderate to dry soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Thrives in full sun. While it tolerates light afternoon shade, full sun ensures the best flowering, compact habit, and rich color.

Flowers can be harvested for cut or dried arrangements while in full color. After pollination, small nutlet-like seeds develop, which can be collected once the spikes dry and darken, though the plant is typically grown from nursery stock rather than seed.

Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring as new growth begins or top-dress with compost annually. Avoid overfertilizing, as excessive nutrients can lead to lanky growth and fewer flowers.

Pollinated by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers. Salvia is self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination for stronger seed set.

Excellent paired with other sun-loving perennials such as Coreopsis, Echinacea, Nepeta, Gaillardia, Achillea, and Lavandula. These companions share similar cultural needs and create vibrant, pollinator-friendly borders.