Hot Lips Sage
Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mexico
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
A bushy, often evergreen sub-shrub with small, aromatic, ovate green leaves. It produces eye-catching, two-lipped flowers that change color depending on temperature. The flowers are famously variable: all red in hot weather, all white in cool weather, and bicolored red and white in moderate temperatures. This provides a long season of interest.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny spot with well-draining soil for planting.
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into moist soil, keeping them warm and sheltered.
- Water regularly to keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season.
- Pinch back to encourage bushier growth and remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining soil and full sun to ensure vibrant blooms and healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 💧
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape ✂️
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Provide good air circulation to prevent diseases
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not fertilize in late fall or winter
- Avoid cutting back in late fall, wait until early spring
- Refrain from planting in poorly-draining soil
- Do not ignore signs of pests or disease
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Hot Lips Sage questions
What zones can Hot Lips Sage grow in?
Hot Lips Sage is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Hot Lips Sage deer resistant?
Yes — Hot Lips Sage is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Hot Lips Sage bloom?
Hot Lips Sage typically blooms in summer to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Hot Lips Sage need full sun?
Hot Lips Sage does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Hot Lips Sage drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Hot Lips Sage handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Hot Lips Sage with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
