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Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'
baby sage, Hot Lips
Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico (Chihuahua, Sonora, Jalisco, Oaxaca) and southeastern Arizona; oak woodlands and canyon scrub, 4,500-8,000 feet (1,400-2,400 m)Learn more
At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitMounding
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height24-36 inches (60-90 cm)
Width24-36 inches (60-90 cm)
Maturity2 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
7 - 9These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' is Hot Lips baby sage, a semi-woody semi-evergreen subshrub growing 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall and wide. Bicolor tubular two-lipped flowers 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) with a bright red upper lip and white lower lip from late spring through fall (May-October). The flower color is temperature-sensitive: all-white below 60°F (16°C), all-red in high heat, and the classic red-and-white bicolor at 65-75°F (18-24°C). In cool-summer climates, the classic bicolor displays for most of the season. Small oval to rounded dark green strongly aromatic slightly sticky leaves 0.5-1.25 inches (1.5-3 cm) on semi-woody stems — the foliage has a fruity-sage scent. In the mint family (Lamiaceae). The species name 'microphylla' means 'small-leaved' (Greek mikros + phyllon). Hummingbird-visited. Shear by one-half to two-thirds in early spring (annual cutback). Intolerant of wet heavy winter soil — crown rot in poorly drained conditions. In zone 7, plant against a warm south- or west-facing wall. Native to the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico and southeastern Arizona, growing in oak woodlands and canyon scrub at 4,500-8,000 feet (1,400-2,400 m). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant (aromatic). Drought-tolerant once established. Full sun. Zones 7-9. Growth rate is moderate to fast.
Native Range
The species S. microphylla is native to the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico (Chihuahua, Sonora, Jalisco, Oaxaca) and southeastern Arizona, growing in oak woodlands and canyon scrub at 4,500-8,000 feet (1,400-2,400 m).Suggested Uses
Planted in borders, rock gardens, hummingbird gardens, and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) in zones 7-9. The temperature-sensitive bicolor red-and-white flowers display the classic pattern in cool-summer climates. Lean soil. Hummingbird-visited. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Native.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Late spring to fall (May-October), lasting up to 24 weeks. Bicolor red-and-white tubular flowers (temperature-sensitive). Hummingbird-visited. Shear in early spring. Optional midsummer shear for fall flush.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bicolor: bright red upper lip and white lower lip; temperature-sensitive — all-white below 60 degrees F (16 degrees C), all-red in high heat, classic bicolor at 65-75 degrees F (18-24 degrees C); tubular two-lipped, 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm)Foliage Description
Small, oval to rounded, dark green, strongly aromatic, slightly sticky, 0.5-1.25 inches (1.5-3 cm); semi-woody stemsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun. Lean sharply drained soil pH 6.0-7.5. Intolerant of wet winter soil (crown rot). Shear by one-half to two-thirds in early spring. In zone 7, plant against a warm wall. Temperature-sensitive bicolor. Hummingbird-visited. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant. Zones 7-9.Pruning
Shear all stems by one-half to two-thirds in early spring (March-April) before new growth. Optional light midsummer shear for compact form and stronger fall bicolor flush. Remove winter-killed stems. The plant resprouts from semi-woody stems or the root crown.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons