Salvia mic. Hot Lips

Salvia mic. Hot Lips

Why Buy Me?

• Beautiful flowers
• Long flowering period
• Hugely popular
• Easy to grow

Growing Conditions

Light:
Prefers full sun for best flowering and compact growth. Can tolerate light shade, though flowering may be reduced.

Soil:
Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Tolerates poor soils if drainage is good. Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Avoid heavy, waterlogged ground.

Exposure:
Performs well in sheltered or moderately exposed locations. Hardy in milder areas of the UK. May need protection or mulching in colder regions.

Drought Tolerance:
Highly drought-tolerant once established. Ideal for dry, sunny borders and gravel gardens. Water during prolonged drought for best flowering.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Best planted in late spring after risk of frost, or early autumn in warmer climates with good drainage.

Spacing:
Space plants approximately 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) apart. Mature height reaches 60–90 cm (24–36 inches) with a similar spread.

Watering & Fertilisation:
Water regularly during establishment, then only in prolonged dry spells. Feed with a general-purpose fertiliser in spring to support growth and flowering.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Lightly prune in early spring to shape and encourage new growth. Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooming. In colder areas, avoid cutting back hard until after the last frost.

Propagation:
Propagate from softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Foliage emerges and flower buds form as temperatures warm.

Summer:
Masses of bicoloured flowers—red and white on the same plant—appear from early summer through to autumn. Some flowers may appear fully red or fully white depending on temperature and light levels.

Autumn:
Continues flowering until the first frost. Foliage remains attractive well into autumn.

Winter:
Semi-evergreen in mild areas; may die back in colder climates. Protect roots with mulch in exposed or frost-prone areas.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Very attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbird hawk-moths. An excellent long-season nectar source.

Garden Use:
Perfect for sunny borders, gravel gardens, Mediterranean-style plantings, containers, and pollinator-friendly gardens. Provides continuous, eye-catching colour from summer to autumn.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with:

• Gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri)

• Nepeta

• Lavandula

• Verbena bonariensis

• Echinacea

Combines beautifully with other drought-tolerant, sun-loving perennials for a lively and extended flowering display.

Transform your home and garden with the Salvia mic. Hot 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.