Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'Hot Lips Sage

The Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips', commonly known as Hot Lips Sage, is a vibrant, evergreen perennial cherished for its bicolor red-and-white flowers and aromatic green foliage. Blooming profusely from spring through autumn, the flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a perfect choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. Growing up to 80 to 100 cm tall and wide, this hardy and drought-tolerant sage is ideal for borders, cottage gardens, and containers.

Low-maintenance and eye-catching, Hot Lips Sage adds long-lasting colour and fragrance to sunny landscapes.

Specifications

• Height80 to 100 cm
• Width80 to 100 cm
• Native toMexico (species origin)
• FoliageAromatic, green leaves; evergreen in warm climates
• Growth rateFast

Conditions

• SoilPrefers well-drained, fertile soils; tolerates sandy, loamy, and rocky soils
• LightFull sun
• WaterLow to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• ClimateThrives in temperate, subtropical, and Mediterranean climates

Additional Features

• FlowersBicolor red-and-white blooms; spring to autumn
• FormBushy, rounded growth habit with dense foliage
• UsesIdeal for borders, pollinator gardens, containers, or cottage garden styles
• SpacingPlant 60 to 80 cm apart for dense coverage or standalone displays
• Low MaintenanceRequires minimal pruning; deadhead to encourage continuous flowering
• Pest ResistanceGenerally pest-free and hardy
• Drought TolerancePerforms well in water-wise and xeriscape gardens
• Wildlife AttractionFlowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
• Cold ToleranceHardy in mild frosts; may die back in colder climates and regrow in spring
• FragranceAromatic foliage adds sensory appeal

The Hot Lips Sage is a cheerful and hardy plant, perfect for adding bold, seasonal colour and pollinator-friendly blooms to gardens and landscapes with minimal upkeep.