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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Hot Lips Salvia is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Hot Lips Salvia with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.