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About this product
Salvia ‘Hot Lips’
Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips’
2 Litre Pot
Plant Highlights: Long flowering • Distinctive red and white blooms • Aromatic foliage • Excellent for borders and containers • Pollinator friendly
Overview
Flowering over an exceptionally long season, Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ is one of the most recognisable perennial salvias, producing striking red and white blooms from summer well into autumn. Its bushy habit and aromatic green foliage create a relaxed, cottage garden feel while providing months of reliable colour.
Ideal for sunny borders, gravel gardens and patio containers, this versatile perennial adds movement and interest throughout the warmer months. Once established, it copes well with typical summer conditions, while its extended flowering season makes it a valuable choice for keeping the garden looking colourful long after many other perennials have finished.
Why We Love It
- Distinctive red and white flowers that create a lively display.
- Exceptionally long flowering season from summer into autumn.
- Aromatic foliage adds extra sensory interest.
- Bushy habit works equally well in borders and large patio pots.
- Nectar-rich flowers can attract bees and other pollinating insects when in bloom.
Plant Details
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips’ |
| Common Name | Hot Lips Sage |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Position | Full sun |
| Soil | Fertile, well-drained soil |
| Flower Colour | Red and white, with natural seasonal variation |
| Flowering Period | Mainly summer into autumn |
| Mature Height | Approximately 80–100cm |
| Mature Spread | Approximately 80–100cm |
| Growth Habit | Bushy, upright |
| Hardiness | Hardy in most Irish gardens when grown in free-draining soil and a sheltered position |
Growing Guide
Position
Choose a warm, sunny location to encourage the best flowering. A sheltered position protects new growth from cold winds and helps plants perform well throughout the season.
Watering
Water regularly while the plant is establishing. Once established, plants growing in the ground generally only need additional watering during prolonged dry periods, while containers should be checked more frequently.
Soil
Plant in fertile, free-draining soil. Good drainage is particularly important in heavier Irish soils, where excess winter moisture can affect the crown.
Routine Care
Leave the previous season's growth in place over winter to help protect the plant. Cut back in spring as fresh shoots appear and remove faded flower spikes during the season to encourage continued flowering.
Perfect For
- Sunny borders
- Cottage-style planting
- Gravel gardens
- Large patio containers
- Pollinator-friendly gardens
Good to Know
The balance of red and white colouring can change throughout the season depending on temperature and growing conditions. Flowers may appear predominantly red, predominantly white or the familiar two-tone combination at different times, making each flush of bloom slightly different.
Product Information
- Supplied in a 2-litre nursery pot.
- Images show representative mature plants and are intended as a guide.
- Plants are living products and naturally vary in size, shape and seasonal stage.
Growing & care
- Plant type
- perennial
- Position & light
- Full sun· Sheltered
- Watering
- moderate
- Soil & drainage
- Well drained· Free draining
- Mature size
- 1.0m high· 1.0m wide
- Flowering
- Summer into autumn· White· Red· Bicolour· Multicolour
Useful to know
Good for containersGood for bordersPollinator friendly
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