Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'

A bushy, shrubby perennial Sage with densely branched woody stems. 

- From early summer, flowers emerge scarlet red in colour, before developing the signature two-toned white and red 'Hot Lips'. By the end of the season when the days get shorter, some of the flowers may have developed further to all-white. An abundant flower, guaranteeing colour throughout the the whole summer and autumn with little pruning or deadheading required.

- Small, rounded mid green leaves are highly aromatic. The can remain on the plant as an evergreen through winter if not pruned back. 

- Full sun and well draining soil in a sheltered site will give you the best results. They are one of the best plants for long, consistent flowering, so will have a well-earned place in most garden habitats. Fantastic for cottage gardens, Prairie-style planting, raised beds, coastal and Mediterranean gardens, and anywhere to fill a bit of space in mixed borders. Can also be kept in pots on balconies or patios where the flowers and scent can be admired. 

- These are a magnet for pollinators, and will be buzzing with bees, hoverflies, butterflies and more, all season long!

- Plants can remain in their shrubby form, but it is better to pruned back hard in spring to keep stems young with fresh new growth that will flower more prolifically. Sometimes can be susceptible to very cold winter frosts, so protection may be needed (perhaps below -5C or so). 

- Height and Spread approx. 80-100cm x 80-100cm. 

- Supplied in a 9cm pot