Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' – Planting & Care Guide

About Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'

Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' is a spectacular, long-flowering evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub that is renowned for its unique two-tone flowers. The blooms open in striking red and white, although flower colour can vary throughout the season depending on temperatures, with flowers appearing all red, all white or the classic red-and-white combination.

Flowering continuously from late spring until the first frosts, 'Hot Lips' provides months of vibrant colour while attracting bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. Growing to approximately 80–100cm tall with a spread of 80–100cm, this bushy, aromatic shrub is ideal for borders, containers, cottage gardens and Mediterranean-style planting.

Planting Guide

• Plant in full sun for the best flowering display.
• Will tolerate light partial shade, but flowering is most prolific in full sun.
• Choose a warm, sheltered position protected from cold winds.
• Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.
• Suitable for loam, sandy and chalky soils.
• Improve heavy clay soils with compost and horticultural grit before planting.
• Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
• Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the roots.
• Position the plant so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
• Backfill with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly.
• Apply a light layer of mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the stems.
• Space plants approximately 80–100cm apart to allow for mature growth.

Care & Maintenance

Salvia 'Hot Lips' is an easy-care shrub that provides exceptional colour over a long season.

• Water regularly during the first growing season.
• Once established, water during prolonged dry periods.
• Allow the soil surface to dry slightly between watering.
• Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
• Apply a high-potash liquid feed every few weeks during the flowering season to encourage continuous blooms.
• Refresh mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Remove weeds regularly from around the base.
• Deadhead faded flowers to encourage fresh blooms throughout the season.
• Protect the base of the plant with mulch during severe winter weather.

Pruning

Regular pruning keeps the plant compact and encourages fresh flowering growth.

• Trim lightly throughout summer to maintain a neat shape if required.
• Deadhead spent flowers regularly.
• Cut back by approximately one-third in early spring after the risk of severe frost has passed.
• Remove any dead, damaged or frost-affected stems.
• Avoid heavy pruning in autumn, as old growth helps protect the plant during winter.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'
• Common Name: Hot Lips Sage
• Plant Type: Evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub
• Mature Height: 80–100cm
• Spread: 80–100cm
• Flower Colour: Red and white, with colours varying throughout the season
• Flowering Period: May to October
• Foliage: Aromatic mid-green leaves
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Hardiness: Hardy throughout most of Ireland and the UK in a sheltered, well-drained position

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Salvia 'Hot Lips' is perfect for adding vibrant colour and attracting pollinators.

• Cottage gardens
• Mixed shrub borders
• Pollinator-friendly gardens
• Mediterranean-style gardens
• Gravel gardens
• Patio containers
• Courtyard gardens
• Raised beds
• Contemporary planting schemes
• Coastal gardens

It combines beautifully with Lavender, Nepeta, Verbena bonariensis, Gaura, Agapanthus, Echinacea, Rudbeckia and ornamental grasses.

Seasonal Interest

• Aromatic foliage provides structure from spring through autumn.
• Flower buds appear in late spring.
• Masses of colourful blooms continue from early summer until the first frosts.
• Flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators.
• The changing flower colours provide added interest throughout the season.
• In mild winters, some foliage may remain, with fresh growth appearing in spring.

Common Problems

Salvia 'Hot Lips' is generally healthy and easy to grow.

• Poor drainage can lead to root rot.
• Young shoots may be damaged by severe late frosts.
• Aphids and whitefly may occasionally appear on new growth.
• Overwatering during winter can reduce plant vigour.
• Good airflow and a sunny position help maintain healthy growth.

With its eye-catching red and white flowers, aromatic foliage and exceptionally long flowering season, Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' is a superb choice for Irish gardens. Easy to grow and highly attractive to pollinators, it provides months of vibrant colour and makes a stunning addition to borders, containers and wildlife-friendly planting schemes

• Size
  2 Ltr pot

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
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