Salvia microphylla Hot Lips 2ltr

Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ is one of those plants that makes people stop and smile. It’s famous for its two-tone “lipstick” flowers—bright white and vivid red blooms that often change with the weather, sometimes appearing more red, more white, or perfectly bicoloured. Flowering for months from summer into autumn, it creates a lively, airy display above neat, aromatic foliage and is a brilliant choice for adding colour to sunny borders, gravel gardens and patio pots.

It’s also a top pick for pollinators, drawing in bees and butterflies, and once established it’s fairly drought tolerant, especially in free-draining soil. If you want long-lasting colour with minimal fuss, ‘Hot Lips’ is a cracking addition to the Avon Bulbs & Plants line-up.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant in spring or early autumn, while the soil is workable (avoid planting into frozen or waterlogged ground).

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Salvias dislike winter wet, so drainage is key. Ideal for mixed borders, gravel gardens, raised beds, and pots and containers. A warm wall or sheltered courtyard spot is perfect.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant so the top of the compost is level with the soil surface.
• Spacing: Space plants 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) apart to allow a bushy shape.
• Soil Prep: If your soil is heavy, mix in horticultural grit to improve drainage. Avoid over-fertile soil which can encourage softer growth.

Watering:
Water well after planting and keep watering while the plant establishes. Once established, Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ is fairly drought tolerant, but it will flower best with occasional watering during prolonged dry spells (especially in pots).

Aftercare Tips:

• Deadhead or lightly trim after each flush of flowers to encourage more blooms.
• In spring, cut back to healthy growth to keep plants compact and floriferous.
• In colder or very exposed gardens, provide winter protection (a dry mulch around the base, or move pots to a sheltered spot).

Top Tip:
‘Hot Lips’ flowers can change colour with temperature—cooler weather often brings more bicolour blooms. Pair it with lavender, ornamental grasses and Verbena for a long-lasting, wildlife-friendly summer display.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
June – October (often until the first frosts)

Height:
24–36" (60–90cm) (can vary with conditions)

Position:
Full sun (sheltered)

Type:
Shrubby salvia (best with good drainage and some winter shelter in colder spots)