Salvia nemorosa 'Bumbleblue' PPAF

Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Deer and rabbits generally avoid it due to aromatic foliage.

Spring: foliage emerges, first blooms appear late spring.

Summer: peak flowering, with potential rebloom after shearing.

Fall: foliage remains until frost, with occasional late blooms.

Winter: dies back to ground in cold climates, returns in spring.

– Pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, borders, edging, mass plantings, containers, cutting gardens

Narrow, lance-shaped, medium green leaves.

Slightly rough, textured surface with a distinct herbal fragrance when crushed.

Forms a dense basal clump.

Dense spikes of deep violet-blue flowers.

Blooms in late spring to early summer, with repeat flowering after deadheading.

Flowers contrast beautifully with green foliage, creating a vibrant display.

Plant in spring or early fall for best establishment.

Choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil; avoid soggy areas.

Dig a hole the same depth as the container and twice as wide.

Loosen roots before planting, backfill with native soil, and water deeply.

Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch off the crown.

Deadhead spent flower spikes promptly to encourage repeat blooming.

Shear back lightly after the first flush of bloom (mid-summer) to stimulate new flowers.

Cut stems to basal foliage in late fall or early spring to prepare for new growth.

Moderate needs; water regularly until established.

Once established, drought tolerant; prefers deep, occasional watering over frequent shallow watering.

Avoid waterlogged soils.

Full sun (6+ hours daily) is essential for dense growth and abundant blooms.

Can tolerate light partial shade but with reduced flowering.

Flower spikes can be cut for fresh bouquets or dried arrangements.

Harvest when flowers are fully open for longest vase life.

Light feeder; in spring apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

Avoid over-fertilizing, which can encourage floppy growth.

Compost top-dressing annually improves soil health.

Insect-pollinated; highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Not wind-pollinated; sterile flowers are not an issue as seeds are rarely used.

Works well with drought-tolerant perennials such as Coreopsis, Echinacea, Nepeta, and Rudbeckia.

Pair with ornamental grasses like Festuca glauca, Panicum, or Pennisetum for texture.

Complements roses and other flowering shrubs in mixed borders.

Excellent in pollinator or cottage gardens with Monarda, Lavender, or Gaillardia.