SALVIA HOT LIPS

Overview and Features

Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' is a bushy, woody-based perennial famed for its unique, bi-colour flowers and long blooming season. A standout in any garden, this variety features bright red and white tubular blooms, often with colour variation depending on temperature—flowers can appear entirely red, white, or red-and-white during the season.

Originating from Mexico, 'Hot Lips' belongs to the sage family and is beloved for both its ornamental value and pollinator appeal. Its aromatic, minty foliage and ability to flower continuously from late spring until the first frosts make it a star performer in sunny borders, wildlife gardens, and pots.

• Grows to 90–100 cm tall and wide

• Produces two-toned red and white flowers (with colour intensity influenced by heat)

• Attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

• Provides fragrance, movement, and colour in borders or containers

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

‘Hot Lips’ is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is ideal for gardeners looking for reliable colour and easy care.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun (6+ hours per day)

  • Can tolerate light shade, but flowering may be reduced

• Soil Preferences:

  • Performs best in well-drained soil, including sandy or gritty types

  • Will tolerate poor or dry soils once established

  • Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay areas

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during establishment

  • Once established, it is drought-tolerant

  • In prolonged dry spells, occasional deep watering helps flower production

• Feeding:

  • Requires minimal feeding

  • A light feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring will boost early growth

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Cut back by one-third in spring to promote bushiness and fresh growth

  • Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms

  • May benefit from a light trim in midsummer if becoming leggy

Seasonal Care and Garden Uses

'Hot Lips' adds bold colour and movement from late spring through to the first frosts. Its aromatic leaves and continuous flowers make it a favourite for wildlife planting schemes and sunny garden designs.

• Flowering Time:

  • Late spring to autumn (May to October)

  • Flowers may vary in colour depending on temperature

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in milder areas (RHS H4)

  • In colder zones, apply a thick mulch in autumn to protect roots

  • Avoid cutting back hard in autumn—leave stems for winter protection

• Garden Design Ideas:

  • Use in cottage gardens, Mediterranean borders, and pollinator gardens

  • Combines well with grasses, lavender, verbena, gaura, and other drought-tolerant perennials

  • Ideal for pots, raised beds, and wildlife-friendly borders

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • Aromatic foliage deters slugs and rabbits

• Size
  3 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.