Product details
Product Overview
Salvia microphylla Hot Lips is a long-flowering perennial shrub known for its unique two-toned red and white flowers. Blooming prolifically from spring through to autumn, it adds bold colour and movement to borders, mixed beds, and cottage gardens. Highly attractive to bees and butterflies, this salvia is also drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and perfect for hot, dry positions in the garden.
Growth:
Forms a dense, bushy shrub reaching 80-100 cm tall and wide. Fast-growing and naturally rounded, it creates a soft, informal shape that suits mixed borders and naturalistic designs.
Light Requirements:
Thrives in full sun. Can tolerate part shade, though flowering may be slightly reduced in lower light conditions.
Soil Requirements:
Prefers well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types including sandy and loamy soils. Avoid heavy or poorly drained sites, especially in cooler months.
Water Requirements:
Low to moderate water needs. Water regularly during establishment, then only during extended dry spells.
Frost Tolerance:
Tolerates light frost. In colder climates, the top may die back in winter but will reshoot in spring.
Drought Tolerance:
Excellent drought tolerance once established. Ideal for waterwise gardens and exposed, sunny areas.
Flowering Information:
Produces masses of small red and white bicolour flowers on slender stems from spring to late autumn. Colour may vary with temperature, sometimes showing all red or all white blooms during the season.
Spacing Requirements:
Plant 60-80 cm apart to allow for mature spread and airflow. Works well as an informal hedge, border filler, or container specimen.
Fertiliser Requirements:
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring. Avoid overfeeding, as it may reduce flowering and promote excess foliage.
Care and Maintenance:
Low maintenance. Prune lightly after flowering flushes to encourage repeat blooming. Cut back harder in late winter or early spring to rejuvenate and maintain shape. Remove spent flowers to extend the flowering period.
