The Hot Lip Salvia, known as Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips’, is a stunning and popular variety of sage highly admired for its vibrant two-toned flowers. This plant, often chosen for its striking appearance and hardy nature, has become a favorite in drought-tolerant gardens, especially in warmer climates. Its tubular blooms are predominantly white with a bold red splash at the tip, creating the “lip” effect that gives the plant its name. 

Native to Mexico and the southwestern United States, the Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips’ is commonly referred to as Hot Lip Salvia, Hot Lips Sage, or Baby Sage due to its compact size. These names highlight its small leaves and playful, colorful flowers, which resemble lips in their appearance. 

The Salvia plant's aromatic foliage, which releases a pleasant scent when touched or brushed against, adds to its sensory appeal.

This compact shrub typically has semi-evergreen foliage, remaining green year-round in mild climates while shedding leaves in colder areas.

Hot Lip Salvia is a moderately sized plant that typically reaches between 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide.

Its bushy, upright growth habit makes it a perfect choice for mixed borders, cottage gardens, or even as a low hedge.

When given proper care and spacing, this plant creates a full, lush presence in any garden setting. The bicolor flowers of Hot Lip Salvia are its most notable characteristic. Blooming from late spring through early fall, these tubular blossoms are held on long, slender stems that extend above the foliage, drawing attention with their red and white hues.

In cooler temperatures or during specific growing conditions, the flowers may appear entirely white or red. In hotter climates, the flowers tend to display more red, while cooler conditions bring out the white. The continuous bloom cycle ensures vibrant color throughout the growing season. The contrasting colors of Hot Lip Salvia flowers make them highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the garden ecosystem and promoting biodiversity. 

When and How to Water Your Hot Lip Salvia  

This Hot Lips Salvia plant is relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it a great choice for gardens that experience dry conditions. However, during its initial growth phase, regular watering is essential to help it establish a strong root system. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, especially in the first few weeks after planting.

As the plant matures, the frequency of watering can be reduced. Hot Lip salvia prefers well-drained soil, so it's best to allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal issues, which are detrimental to the plant's health. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply but infrequently, ensuring that the roots receive adequate moisture without being waterlogged.

During hot summer months, you may need to increase watering frequency, especially if the plant is in full sun. However, always check the soil moisture before watering. If the soil feels dry to the touch, it is time to water. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, which is beneficial during extreme heat. 

During the winter, it is important to water Hot Lips Salvia sparingly to prevent root rot. Allowing the soil to slightly dry out in between waterings and watering once a month should be adequate. 

Light Requirements – Where to Place Your Hot Lip Salvia 

When grown indoors, it's crucial to provide this Salvia hot lips plant with plenty of bright, indirect light. Ideally, placing it near a south or west-facing window will allow it to receive the right amount of sunlight for at least 4-6 hours per day. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms, so monitoring its light exposure is essential. 

For outdoor growth, Hot Lip salvia thrives in full sun conditions, which means it should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. This exposure not only encourages robust growth but also enhances the vibrancy of its flowers. Choose a location with well-drained soil and shelter from strong winds. While this plant is drought-tolerant, it still benefits from being planted in a sunny spot, as this helps it establish a strong root system and promotes overall health. 

The Hot Lip salvia thrives best in well-draining soil. The optimal soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. If you're planting in the garden, consider amending the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its texture and nutrient content.

This not only provides a good foundation for the plant but also helps retain moisture without becoming overly saturated.

Planet Desert has specialized potting soil  that includes an organic substrate with mycorrhizae to help with the growth of a healthy root system to help your Salvia plants thrive.

When it comes to fertilization, Hot Lip salvia benefits from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied once a year during the growing season. Applying the fertilizer in early spring, just as new growth begins, will give the plant a strong start.  

During the blooming period, you can use NPK fertilizer higher in phosphorus, such as a 5-10-5 ratio, to encourage more flowers. Be cautious not to fertilize too late in the season, as this can promote new growth that may not harden off before winter. To avoid overfertilization, which can harm the plant, follow the manufacturer's application rate instructions. 

Hardiness Zones & More

When grown indoors, the Hot Lip salvia prefers a warm environment with temperatures ranging between 65°F and 75°F. It thrives in bright, indirect light, so placing it near a sunny window is ideal. Indoor humidity levels should ideally be maintained around 40% to 60%, as this helps prevent stress on the plant. If the air is too dry, particularly in winter, using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant can help maintain adequate moisture levels. 

For outdoor cultivation, Hot Lip salvia is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 8 to 12. This means it can tolerate temperatures as low as 0°F to 20°F during the winter months.

Outdoor humidity levels can vary significantly depending on the climate, but Hot Lip salvia generally prefers moderate humidity. In areas with high humidity, it's important to ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent fungal diseases. If you're in a drier climate, regular watering and mulching can help retain soil moisture and provide a more suitable environment for the plant. 

How to Propagate Your Hot Lip Salvia 

The Hot Lip Salvia propagation can be done through stem cuttings or by dividing mature plants. The best time to take stem cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, cut a 4 to 6-inch healthy stem just below a node, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone for better success. Place the cutting in a container filled with well-draining soil or a mix of perlite and peat moss, keeping it in indirect light and misting regularly to maintain moisture. After a few weeks, roots will form, and the new plant can be transplanted outdoors or into a larger pot. 

Wildlife - Hot Lip Sylvia attracts the following Friendly-Pollinators

Hot Lip Salvia is an excellent choice for attracting a variety of pollinators to the garden. Its nectar-rich flowers are particularly appealing to hummingbirds, which are often seen hovering around the blooms throughout the day. Butterflies and bees also frequent the flowers, drawn to both their color and scent. This plant provides a vital food source for these pollinators, helping to support local ecosystems and encourage biodiversity in the garden. 

Butterflies

Bees

Hummingbirds

Lady Bugs

Multi Pollinators

Other Birds

Toxicity: The Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips’ is considered non-toxic to humans and pets, including dogs and cats. This makes it a safe choice for households with curious children or pets. While it is safe for people and pets, the plant’s strong aroma and slightly bitter-tasting leaves generally deter grazing from animals, providing a degree of natural deer resistance. 

Key Takeaways

The Bottom Line 

Overall, the Hot Lip Salvia is an outstanding choice for gardeners looking for a hardy, easy-care plant that adds vibrant color and attracts beneficial pollinators. Its distinctive red and white flowers, aromatic foliage, and ability to thrive in warm, dry conditions make it a must-have for drought-tolerant landscapes. With minimal care, including regular pruning and well-draining soil, this plant will reward you with continuous blooms throughout the growing season. Non-toxic and resistant to deer, Hot Lip Salvia is an excellent all-around plant for creating a colorful, eco-friendly garden. 

***HOW WE PREPARE YOUR PLANTS FOR SHIPPING***

Before sending your plants, we often trim the leafy parts and remove flowers or buds. This helps them survive shipping and adjust to transplanting better. Don't worry - these hardy plants have strong roots and should settle in quickly once planted.

If you plant in fall, you might not see much growth above ground at first. This is normal for perennials planted in autumn. They focus on developing a robust root system first. You'll enjoy well-established plants in the next growing season.