Salvia microphylla Royal Bumble

The Salvia microphylla 'Royal Bumble' is a semi-evergreen woody perennial sage that is particularly floriferous. Its small, beautiful dark velvet red flowers cover a thin, aromatic foliage; in late spring, they are produced even more generously from September to November. Moderately hardy, it is robust and spectacular, growing quickly and filling the borders with its long flowering period. To thrive, it only requires very well-drained soil, even poor, in sunny or semi-shaded exposure.

The Salvia microphylla grahamii, also known as Graham's Sage, belongs to the family of Lamiaceae, otherwise known as Labiates. This aromatic plant originates from the mountains of eastern, western, and southern Mexico and southern Arizona. This branching, shrubby perennial has a bushy and spreading habit, wider than tall. It will reach a height of 50 to 60 cm (23.6 in) with a diameter of 60 cm (23.6 in). The flowering, nectar-rich and honey-producing, is particularly generous, especially in autumn from September to November if the cold does not cut it short. Small elongated flowers emerge from the foliage, grouped in spikes. Adorned with a rare, intense, deep red colour, these miniature flowers measuring no more than 2 cm (0.8 in) in length attract and hold the gaze in the garden. They only live for a day, covering the ground with their petals in the evening, but will already be replaced the following day. The semi-evergreen foliage is composed of small, oval leaves with scalloped edges, 2 to 4 cm (1.6 in) long, dark green, thick and aromatic, somewhat sticky, releasing a strong acidic essential oil when heated. They take on pretty yellow and purple hues in autumn.

The lower light of autumn enhances the flowering of shrubby salvias, which capture the light through their petals like tiny stained glass windows. These plants are among those that have contributed to the notoriety of the Salvia genus: minimal maintenance but almost uninterrupted flowering from spring until frost. They can be found in English cottages and Mediterranean gardens. This 'Royal Bumble' sage perfectly accompanies the spring blooms of rock roses, rosemary, and bellflowers. The combination of asters in autumn is just fabulous. You can choose from various options, such as Aster laevis, Aster turbinellus, or Aster amellus, which require little maintenance. To create an attractive display, consider using gauras, tall sedums (such as Sedum 'Matrona'), shrubby potentillas, and the silver foliage of artemisias or cinerarias. Place it on the terrace in a large pot next to a Cape Leadwort; the colour combination is fantastic!

In Mexico, people make a delicious tea using the leaves of a sage called "mountain myrtle".