Salvia ‘Hot Lips’
Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips’
Characteristics
- Type: Perennial
- Zone: 8 – 10
- Height: 3 – 4 Feet
- Spread: 2 – 3 Feet
- Blooms: Summer – Late Fall
- Bloom: Red & White Bi-color
- Sun: Full Sun – Part Sun
- Water: Dry – Medium
- Maintenance: Low
- Leaf: Fragrant
- Resists: Deer
- Tolerates: Drought
- Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Culture
The adaptability and ease of cultivation of the microphylla species is part of its wide spread appeal. Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ is hardy to 10° F and is extremely drought tolerant. However, the plant will benefit from moderate water. Salvia has a long bloom cycle, attracting hummingbirds to its skinny tubular double lipped flowers. Plant in full sun or partial shade (be sure to provide some afternoon shade in hottest climates). To keep the plant tidy and free blooming, prune back dead flowers and stems on a regular basis.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ is a unique and striking perennial native to southeast Arizona and Mexico. The unusual two-toned red and white flowers are backed by very fine green foliage. It has serrated leaf margins (edges) on its narrow elliptical shaped leaves. The blooms appear continuously through the hottest of summers until the first frost in fall. An ideal compact, colorful, and carefree choice for sunny, low-water gardens.
Problems
It has no significant negative characteristics.
Garden Uses
Mass Planting, Border Edging, General Garden Use, Cut flowers, Container Planting.