
Salvia 'Hot Lips' is a spectacular plant displaying striking red and white bi-coloured blooms on spikes, flowering from June right through to to mid-autumn.
This unique form shows a pure white tip with red hot lips; in the hotter months of summer it may have all red and all white flowers on the same plant. The aromatic foliage has a fine texture and small leaf, which can turn dark red in autumn.
This unique form shows a pure white tip with red hot lips; in the hotter months of summer it may have all red and all white flowers on the same plant. The aromatic foliage has a fine texture and small leaf, which can turn dark red in autumn.
How to care for Salvia Hot Lips:
When planting, incorporate compost to improve drainage and fertility, spacing plants 30-45cm (12-18in) apart and watering thoroughly.
To keep the plant blooming throughout the season, promptly remove flower spikes as soon as they begin to fade - this deadheading encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than putting energy into seed production.
In early spring, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide essential nutrients as it breaks down. Ensure the mulch is spread evenly, but keep it away from the stems to prevent rot.
Regular watering, particularly in dry spells, will help maintain healthy growth, but be careful not to waterlog the soil, as this salvia prefers well-drained conditions.
To keep the plant blooming throughout the season, promptly remove flower spikes as soon as they begin to fade - this deadheading encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than putting energy into seed production.
In early spring, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide essential nutrients as it breaks down. Ensure the mulch is spread evenly, but keep it away from the stems to prevent rot.
Regular watering, particularly in dry spells, will help maintain healthy growth, but be careful not to waterlog the soil, as this salvia prefers well-drained conditions.
Eventual height:
1m
Eventual spread:
0.75m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
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This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
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