A bushy Salvia microphylla selection whose bicolour red-and-white flowers shift with the seasons, sometimes all red, all white or lipstick-marked. Tough, long-flowering and bee-friendly.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1 m H × 1 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Hot Lips Salvia
Botanically, Salvia 'Hot Lips' is a fast-growing shrub in the Lamiaceae family. It reaches around 1 m tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and aromatic foliage. Red and white flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Hot Lips Salvia
Hot Lips Salvia suits warm-temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Hot Lips Salvia does best in free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Hot Lips Salvia performs well with relatively little water once established. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
Pruning & care
Prune Hot Lips Salvia after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Hot Lips Salvia in the garden
Hot Lips Salvia earns its place for feeding bees and pollinators, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, a feature or specimen planting and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Hot Lips Salvia with plants that share its preference for happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Hot Lips Salvia
Plant Sale lists Hot Lips Salvia as potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
