Salvia gre. Cherry Lips

Salvia gre. Cherry Lips

Why Buy Me?

• Lip shaped flowers
• Long flowering period
• Hugely popular plant
• Easy to grow

Growing Conditions

Light:
Prefers full sun for the best flowering. Can tolerate very light shade but may become leggy and flower less prolifically.

Soil:
Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. Avoid heavy or waterlogged soils—good drainage is essential.

Exposure:
Grows well in sheltered to moderately exposed locations. Hardy in milder parts of the UK. May need winter protection in colder areas.

Drought Tolerance:
High drought tolerance once established. Performs well in dry, sunny conditions but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Best planted in late spring after the risk of frost, or in early autumn in milder regions.

Spacing:
Space plants approximately 45 cm (18 inches) apart. Mature height typically reaches 60–75 cm (24–30 inches) with a similar spread.

Watering & Fertilisation:
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish. Once established, only water during extended dry periods. Feed with a general-purpose fertiliser in spring and again mid-season to support flowering.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Lightly prune in early spring to encourage bushy growth. Deadhead regularly to prolong blooming. In colder regions, cut back in spring rather than autumn to protect overwintering growth.

Propagation:
Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer or semi-ripe cuttings later in the season. 

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New growth appears; plants begin forming buds in late spring.

Summer:
Produces striking bi-coloured flowers—cherry red with a white lower lip—over a long period from early to late summer.

Autumn:
Flowering continues into early autumn, often until the first frost. Attractive bushy foliage adds structure to late borders.

Winter:
Semi-evergreen in mild areas. May die back partially or fully in cold winters but regrows from the base in spring.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbird hawk-moths. Excellent nectar source during the warmer months.

Garden Use:
Ideal for sunny borders, gravel gardens, Mediterranean-style plantings, and containers. Adds vibrant colour and fragrance over a long season.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with:

• Nepeta

• Lavandula

• Echinacea

• Gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri)

• Verbena bonariensis

Blends well with other drought-tolerant, sun-loving perennials and ornamental grasses.

Transform your home and garden with the Salvia gre. Cherry Lips, a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendation.