Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ – How to Enjoy This Beautiful Plant
Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ is one of the most eye‑catching and rewarding salvias you can grow, loved for its vivid red‑and‑white flowers, long flowering season and aromatic foliage. Highly attractive to pollinators and easy to maintain, it’s a fantastic choice for borders, coastal gardens and sunny patios. Here’s how to enjoy this beautiful plant to the fullest.
1. Choosing the Right Planting Location
Sunlight
Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving 6+ hours of direct sunlight.
More sun = more flowers.
Soil
- Needs free-draining soil
- Improve heavy clay with grit or compost
- Tolerates drought once established
2. Watering Tips
- Water regularly in the first year
- Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
- Avoid overwatering — salvias dislike “wet feet”
3. Feeding for Strong Growth
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to support foliage and flower development.
Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which produce leaves at the expense of blooms.
4. Pruning & Deadheading
Deadheading
Remove spent flowers to prolong blooming and keep plants tidy.
Seasonal Pruning
- In late winter or early spring, cut back lightly to shape
- Avoid harsh pruning before winter — salvias prefer some top growth for protection
5. Companion Planting Ideas
Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ pairs beautifully with other drought‑tolerant plants such as:
- Lavender
- Sedum
- Nepeta
- Ornamental grasses
- Gaura
These combinations create movement, colour contrast and summer‑long interest.
6. A Pollinator Powerhouse
The nectar-rich flowers attract:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Hoverflies
- Hummingbirds (in warmer climates)
Planting ‘Hot Lips’ in a wildlife‑friendly area increases biodiversity and keeps your garden buzzing.
7. Growing in Containers
Perfect for patios and smaller gardens.
Tips:
- Use a pot with generous drainage holes
- Fill with gritty, peat‑free multipurpose compost
- Water frequently in summer, but allow slight drying between waterings
- Feed monthly during peak flowering
8. Enjoying It Through the Seasons
Summer–Autumn:
- Flowers continuously
- Makes an excellent cut flower for indoor arrangements
Winter:
- Leave some foliage intact to protect the crown
- Mulch lightly in colder areas for extra insulation
9. Creating a Mini Wildlife Habitat
Leaving old stems over winter gives shelter to:
- Beneficial insects
- Lacewings
- Ladybirds
- Solitary bees
This improves your garden’s natural pest control.
10. Culinary Uses
Salvia leaves are edible, adding a mild herbal flavour to:
- Teas
- Lemonades
- Light garnishes
- Summer dishes
Use sparingly — the aroma is stronger fresh than dried.
FAQs
Does Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ come back every year?
Yes — it’s a hardy perennial in many UK regions, especially with light winter protection.
Should I prune it in autumn?
No — prune in early spring. Leaving stems on helps the plant overwinter.
Will it flower in partial shade?
Yes, but flowering is strongest in full sun.
Does ‘Hot Lips’ change colour?
Cooler or hotter weather can shift blooms toward more red, more white, or bicolour.
Is it easy to grow?
Very — making it perfect for beginners and low‑maintenance gardens.
