Usually available: All year

Life cycle: Perennial
Height: 90cm - 1m
Position: Sun / part shade
Soil preference: Well drained

This is how we pack and send your Herb Plants to all states except TAS & WA

You will receive
- 1 Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' Herb Plant in a 50 X 75mm tube - General growing instructions

All of our Herb Plants are grown organically with certified organic potting mixes and fertilizers

Botanical Name: Salvia x jamensis

Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ is an evergreen perennial that may reach up to 90 - 1 meter high, with a similar width. However, many reports suggest that the plant is not as wide as it is tall, perhaps reaching 60-90 cm. It has a tightly branched form, with small mid green leaves and darker stems. It has a fruity black currant aroma, which is released when the leaves are bruised. The bracts turn almost black at the tips and this contrasts with the red and white flowers quite nicely.

The bi-colour flowers have a red hood and the double lower lobes are white. Spring and autumn are the most common flowering periods. The flower colour changes with the weather and sometimes solid red or white flowers may appear with the bi-colour blooms. When the weather is cooler there are more red flowers and more white flowers appear as the temperature increases in summer. Water and nutrient availability also affect the floral display. More water and nutrients result in red flowers as is typical in cool weather, while heat and nutrient stress results in the blooms turning white.

Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ is a cultivar from the parent Salvia jamensis, which is often used as a synonym for Salvia microphylla. However, they are different plant species, so this is incorrect. This ornamental sage is also known as a type of Autumn Sage or Mountain Sage because the parent plant grows naturally in the Mexican mountains. Caution should be used with identifying salvias with broadly descriptive names like Autumn Sage, for example, because they are often quite generic. ‘Hot Lips’ was introduced to California by Richard Turner, who was fortunate to be offered the plant by his maid who collected it from her home region in Mexico.

The salvia family has over 900 members with an extensive history as culinary, medicinal and ornamental plants. Ornamental salvias have become collectors items, as gardeners try to find a place in their garden for each and every one. There are salvias that will suit every type of soil and climate. More information on the Salvia genus and Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) may be found on our Common Sage page.

Growing Conditions

Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ is a fast growing plant that benefits from regular water and fertiliser. Although it is considered drought and heat tolerant the white parts of the flower are dominant during warm weather and when nutrients are limited. Cooler weather, extra water and higher nutrient application result in more red colouring in the flowers. This salvia is also tolerant of cold and will do well in full sun to part shade, in a sheltered position with well drained soil. If the shrub develops floppy branches it can be pruned after flowering. Propagation is performed by taking cuttings.

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before commencing any treatment.