Salvia microphylla 'Amethyst Lips'

Overview of Salvia microphylla 'Amethyst Lips'

Salvia microphylla 'Amethyst Lips' is a visually striking and compact subshrub native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. This cultivar is a close relative of Salvia 'Hot Lips' and is known for its bi-coloured flowers—bright white with a vivid amethyst-purple lower lip. It belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is valued for its long flowering period, aromatic foliage, and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.

Typically reaching 60–80 cm in height with a spread of around 50–70 cm, 'Amethyst Lips' makes an excellent addition to sunny borders, herbaceous beds, and wildlife-friendly gardens. Its bushy, rounded habit and repeat blooming nature make it both ornamental and practical.

Sunlight, Temperature & Positioning

• Sunlight Requirements:

  • Performs best in full sun, which promotes the strongest growth and most profuse flowering.

  • Can tolerate light shade, particularly in hotter regions, but flowering may be reduced.

• Temperature & Hardiness:

  • Hardy to approximately -5°C (RHS H4); suitable for USDA Zones 8–10.

  • In colder regions, may benefit from mulch protection or container growing.

• Best Location:

  • Ideal for borders, raised beds, patio containers, and Mediterranean or informal garden styles.

  • Choose a sheltered location to protect from cold winds and frost pockets.

Soil, Watering & Feeding

• Soil Conditions:

  • Prefers free-draining soils that are light and slightly alkaline.

  • Will tolerate moderately poor soils but struggles in heavy, clay-rich, or soggy ground.

  • Improve drainage by incorporating grit or organic matter where necessary.

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the first season to establish deep roots.

  • Once established, drought-tolerant and only requires supplemental watering in prolonged dry periods.

  • Avoid frequent shallow watering, which encourages surface rooting.

• Feeding Schedule:

  • Apply a balanced granular fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth.

  • Supplement with a liquid feed every 4–6 weeks during the flowering season for enhanced blooming.

  • Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can cause lush foliage with fewer flowers.

Pruning, Flowering & Maintenance

• Pruning Advice:

  • Lightly trim back faded flower stems in summer to promote a second flush.

  • In spring, cut back old woody growth to a low framework just above new shoots to maintain compactness.

  • Avoid pruning late in the season to protect the plant from winter damage.

• Flowering Performance:

  • Blooms from late spring through autumn, often continuing into October or November in mild climates.

  • Bi-colour effect may vary slightly with temperature—cooler weather enhances the purple pigmentation.

• Seasonal Maintenance:

  • Apply mulch in autumn to protect roots and retain moisture.

  • In very cold regions, lift and overwinter in a frost-free location or cover with fleece.

Propagation, Pests & Companion Planting

• Propagation Methods:

  • Propagate from softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

  • Cuttings root easily in moist compost under cover or indoors.

  • Division is less common but possible in early spring with older, woody plants.

• Pest & Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest-free and highly resilient.

  • Occasionally affected by aphids or mildew—manage with improved airflow and prompt treatment.

• Companion Planting:

  • Combines well with other drought-tolerant perennials such as nepeta, lavender, verbena, and gaura.

  • Adds colour and structure to mixed borders, gravel gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings.

Design & Container Growing Tips

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Excellent choice for adding colour contrast and texture to perennial schemes.

  • Suitable for wildlife gardens and cottage-style planting.

• Container Growing:

  • Grow in a large, well-draining container with loam-based compost and added grit.

  • Ensure pots have sufficient drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.

  • Elevate containers slightly during winter to prevent standing water around the base

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)

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