Striking Bicolour Blooms: The flowers are tubular and set in loose clusters, with crisp white petals and vivid red lower lips—hence the name ‘Hot Lips’. In very hot weather, individual flowers may turn all-red or all-white, and toward late summer as day lengths shorten, you may see more pure white blooms.
The distinctive open-mouthed flower shape gives a playful and eye-catching effect in the garden.
Compact, Bushy Shrub: Typically grows to around 0.5–1 m tall and broad (approximately 2–3 ft).
Evergreen in Mild Climates: Retains foliage year-round unless severely frosted.
Aromatic Leaves: The small, ovate green leaves are lightly scented—crushing them releases a pleasant, herbal aroma.
Long Blooming Period: Blooms from late spring (June) through to first frost in autumn—some sources say up to October.
Pollinator Magnet: Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and often hummingbirds in suitable climates.
Award-Winning: Holds the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, recognized for both beauty and reliability.
Best Conditions: Prefers well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and temperatures typical of Mediterranean or temperate climates.
Drought-Tolerant: Once established, it’s relatively low-maintenance and thrives in drier soils.
Hardiness: Hardy in USDA Zones 8–10, and in the UK it’s often rated H5, meaning it can tolerate temperatures down to –10 to –15 °C with some protection.
Easy Propagation: While hardy, it can die back in frost and regrow from the base. Pruning in late winter encourages denser growth, and deadheading prolongs the flowering season. It also roots easily from semi-ripe cuttings.
Pests & Resilience: Generally disease-free and resilient, though it can attract leafhoppers, rosemary beetles, slugs, and snails.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height & Spread | Compact shrub, ~0.5–1 m tall and wide |
| Flowers | Bi-coloured: white with red “lips”; also can be fully red/white |
| Bloom Time | Late spring through first frost |
| Foliage | Aromatic, evergreen in mild climates |
| Sun & Soil Needs | Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant |
| Pollinators | Bees, butterflies, (hummingbirds) attracted |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 8–10; hardy to –10 °C (UK H5) |
| Awards | RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) |
| Care Advice | Prune lightly in spring, deadhead regularly, propagate by cuttings |
| Pests | Occasional leafhoppers, beetles, slugs/snails |
In summary, Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ is a standout, garden-worthy perennial or sub-shrub celebrated for its long flowering season, delightful bicolor blooms, easy care, and pollinator appeal. It brings a splash of vibrant colour and charm to borders, containers, or cottage-style and Mediterranean-themed gardens.
| Size | 3 Litre |
|---|
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