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.