Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
— Plant Nursery · Texas-Grown
$4.00
Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ (Salvia microphylla) is a stunning perennial salvia producing charming bicolor red-and-white flowers – sometimes all red or all white depending on temperature – on graceful, arching stems. Blooming repeatedly from spring through frost, it is an exceptional hummingbird and butterfly plant well-adapted to Central Texas gardens with good drainage.
At Flying Rabbit Farm, our Salvia Hot Lips transplants are grown for strong root systems and reliable repeat-blooming performance suited to Austin’s climate.
8 in stock
Low to moderate water needs once established
Drought-tolerant; deep, infrequent watering preferred
Light application of balanced organic fertilizer in spring
Minimal feeding needed in typical Austin soils
Cut back by one-third to one-half after each bloom flush
Prune hard in late winter to 6-12 inches before new growth
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage rebloom
Root rot in poorly draining soils
Powdery mildew in humid, shaded conditions
Spider mites during extended drought
Excellent performer in Austin; heat- and drought-tolerant once established
Fall planting is strongly recommended for best establishment before summer stress
Color pattern changes (red-and-white vs. all red or all white) are temperature-dependent and normal
Cut back hard in February for flush of new growth and blooms
New growth and first bloom flush; excellent transplanting window
Continues blooming in heat; reduce watering
Second major bloom period; most dramatic display
Excellent planting window
May die back in hard freezes; regrows from roots in spring
Fall (preferred) or spring
Ideal soil temperatures: 55-70 F
Full sun to partial shade
Best blooming in full sun; tolerates afternoon shade
24-36 inches apart
Shrubby habit; needs room to develop
Well-draining, moderately fertile soil
Tolerates lean, rocky soils
Poor drainage causes root rot
Water deeply at transplanting
Maintain even moisture for first 4-6 weeks
Salvia is generally considered non-toxic to:
However:
Some salvia species may cause mild digestive upset if consumed in large quantities.
Contact a veterinarian if significant ingestion occurs.
