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Plant Profiles / Salvia 'Hot Lips'
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Salvia 'Hot Lips'
Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' · Baby sage
Red-and-white bicolour flowers on an aromatic shrub that flowers for months.
Full sunLight
WeeklyWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Sun.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Moderate.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Dry.
Temperature
-5–38°C (23–100°F)
CoolWarm
Hardy.
Growth
Fast
SlowFast
60–90 cm.
Soil
Free-draining
LeanRich
Potting mix.
Fertiliser
Spring
RarelyOften
Light.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Safe.
About this plant
From Mexico. Flower colour shifts with temperature; tough and drought tolerant.
Best spots
Sunny pots and balconies.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Plant type | Shrub |
| Mature size | 60–90 cm |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Flowers | Red and white |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Propagation | Cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Prune
FloweringPrune
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| All red | Heat. |
| Leggy | Prune. |
| Rot | Wet. |
| Few | Sun. |
| Woody | Cut back. |
Common questions
Colour change?
Temperature.
Bees?
Yes.
Pets?
Safe.
Prune?
Late winter.




