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.