Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'

Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips': A Vibrant and Hardy Perennial

Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips', commonly known as the 'Hot Lips' Sage, is an outstanding perennial that adds a splash of vibrant color and a touch of elegance to your garden. Renowned for its striking red and white bicolor blooms, 'Hot Lips' is a favorite among gardeners for its long-lasting flowering period and resilience in various garden conditions. Whether used in borders, containers, or as a focal point, this salvia variety provides eye-catching beauty and attracts pollinators to your garden.

Plant Description

Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' is celebrated for its showy, two-tone flowers that feature bright red petals with white tips. These blooms are produced in abundance from late spring through autumn, making it a continuous source of color and interest. The plant's aromatic, gray-green foliage provides a contrasting backdrop to the vibrant flowers and adds to its appeal.

• Flower Color: Red and white bicolor
• Bloom Time: Late spring to autumn
• Foliage: Aromatic, gray-green

Optimal Growing Conditions

Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' thrives in a range of garden conditions, making it a versatile choice for many landscapes. It prefers well-drained soil and enjoys full sun exposure to reach its full potential. The plant is known for its drought tolerance once established, though it appreciates regular watering during prolonged dry periods.

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerant of various soil types
• Watering: Regular watering during dry spells; drought-tolerant once established
• Hardiness Zones: 6-9

Maintenance Tips for Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'

To ensure that Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' remains healthy and vibrant throughout its growing season, follow these maintenance tips:

• Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering and maintain a tidy appearance. In late fall or early spring, trim back the plant to remove any dead or damaged growth. This will help promote fresh new growth and a more robust flowering period.

• Watering: While 'Hot Lips' is drought-tolerant, it benefits from consistent moisture during dry periods. Ensure the soil remains well-drained and avoid waterlogging, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. A layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in early spring to support vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Over-fertilizing should be avoided, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.

• Mulching: Mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a stable soil temperature. Organic mulch, such as bark or compost, is recommended.

• Pest and Disease Control: Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, keep an eye out for common issues such as aphids or powdery mildew. If detected, treat with appropriate organic or chemical remedies as necessary.

Plant Specifications

• Height: 60-75 cm (24-30 inches)
• Spread: 45-60 cm (18-24 inches)

Ideal Plant Companions

Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' pairs beautifully with other drought-tolerant and sun-loving plants. Combine it with ornamental grasses, such as Pennisetum varieties, or other salvia species for a stunning display of color and texture. It also complements low-growing groundcovers and annuals like petunias or verbena, creating a dynamic and visually appealing garden arrangement.

Conclusion

Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' is a remarkable perennial that brings vibrant color and elegance to any garden. Its long flowering period, drought tolerance, and adaptability make it an excellent choice for both experienced and novice gardeners. By following the care tips outlined above, you can enjoy the continuous beauty of this striking sage throughout the growing season. Its eye-catching blooms and aromatic foliage make it a standout feature in gardens, borders, and containers alike

• Latin name
  Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'
• Size
  2L

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

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All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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