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 80–100 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 color and fragrance to sunny landscapes.

Specifications:

• Height: 80–100 cm
• Width: 80–100 cm
• Native to: Mexico (species origin)
• Foliage: Aromatic, green leaves; evergreen in warm climates
• Growth rate: Fast

Conditions:

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soils; tolerates sandy, loamy, and rocky soils
• Light: Full sun
• Water: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• Climate: Thrives in temperate, subtropical, and Mediterranean climates

Additional Features:

• Flowers: Bicolor red-and-white blooms; spring to autumn
• Form: Bushy, rounded growth habit with dense foliage
• Uses: Ideal for borders, pollinator gardens, containers, or cottage garden styles
• Spacing: Plant 60–80 cm apart for dense coverage or standalone displays
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning; deadhead to encourage continuous flowering
• Pest Resistance: Generally pest-free and hardy
• Drought Tolerance: Performs well in water-wise and xeriscape gardens
• Wildlife Attraction: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
• Cold Tolerance: Hardy in mild frosts; may die back in colder climates and regrow in spring
• Fragrance: Aromatic foliage adds sensory appeal

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