‘Royal Bumble’ is an evergreen shrub of bushy habit, with glossy, deep green leaves that are pleasantly aromatic. The flowers are big and a rich, vivid red, and they really stand out against the purple-black calyces and stems. It blooms for months, from late spring until autumn, and pollinators love it.
It grows to around 75cm high and can spread to about a metre, so it fits into borders, gravel and coastal gardens or large pots. Choose a sunny, sheltered position with free-draining soil that isn’t too rich. It should get through winter in most UK gardens and, once established, handles dry spells well. Cut off faded spikes and it will keep producing more.