Hot Lips Sage
By David Adam Kess - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46893669
Scientific Name: Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'
Common Names: Hot Lips Sage
Native to: Mexico and the southwestern United States
Lighting requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Winter look: Semi-evergreen in mild climates; may die back in colder regions
Seasonal interest: Spring to fall (bicolor red and white flowers)
Drought tolerance: High (very drought-tolerant once established)
Soil requirements: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil
pH range: 6.0 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Hardiness Zones: 8 to 10 (USDA Zones)
Deer Resistance: Moderate
Attracts: Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Notes: Deadheading spent blooms encourages continuous flowering. It can spread through self-seeding, making it suitable for naturalized gardens.
This salvia is very fun. Its red and white flowers last all season! Plus, the name is great.
I tend to cut it back to 1-2' tall a couple of times a year.
