Salvia Hot Lips 5 Litre Pot

Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ – Playful Bi-Coloured Blooms with Summer-Long Colour

Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips’ is one of the most distinctive and best-loved salvias, known for its striking red and white bicolour flowers. This bushy, aromatic sub-shrub produces an abundance of tubular blooms from early summer right through to the first frosts, making it a valuable and vibrant addition to borders, containers, and wildlife gardens.

Its ever-changing flower pattern and exceptional garden performance make it a standout favourite among gardeners and pollinators alike.

Why Grow Salvia ‘Hot Lips’?

• Unique Red and White Flowers – Most blooms display a vivid red and white ‘lipstick’ pattern, though flowers may appear all red or all white depending on temperature – adding playful variety to your garden.

• Long-Lasting Flower Display – Blooms profusely from June to October, offering consistent colour and seasonal interest.

• Attracts Pollinators – A magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, perfect for wildlife-friendly planting.

• Aromatic Foliage – The small, mint-scented leaves add extra sensory appeal and resist deer and rabbits.

• Compact and Versatile – Grows to about 80–90cm tall, ideal for mixed borders, pots, or gravel gardens.

How to Grow Salvia ‘Hot Lips’

Soil – Well-drained, fertile soil is best. Avoid heavy or waterlogged soils.

Light – Prefers full sun for the best flowering performance, though it can tolerate some light shade.

Watering – Water regularly during the first season. Once established, it becomes drought-tolerant.

Pruning – Cut back hard in early spring to encourage fresh, bushy growth and a strong flowering season.

Winter Care – Hardy in milder regions; in colder areas, mulch the base in autumn or overwinter in a pot under cover.

Perfect Plant Pairings

Pair ‘Hot Lips’ with soft ornamental grasses, lavender, or silvery-foliage plants like Artemisia for a Mediterranean-inspired look. It also contrasts beautifully with deep-purple blooms like Salvia ‘Amistad’ or Echinacea ‘Magnus’ for a pollinator-rich border.

Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ brings charm, colour, and personality to any garden space. Its lively blooms and low-maintenance nature make it a superb choice for those seeking a long-flowering, drought-tolerant plant with real wow-factor.

Salvia Hot Lips 5 Litre Pot Grasslands Nursery Semi Hardy

Does the height include the pot?

No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description

How long does delivery take?

Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.

Where will you leave my plants?

We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.