Salvia greggii 'Hot Lips'
Best low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly landscape color.
Introducing Salvia greggii 'Hot Lips', a stunning perennial shrub that brings vibrant color to your garden from late summer through fall. Its unique red and white bi-colored flowers are a true spectacle, complemented by fine-textured green foliage that provides year-round interest. This adaptable plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and is remarkably drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice. It's an excellent option for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies while deterring deer. Perfect for mass plantings, edging, or containers, 'Hot Lips' Sage adds enduring beauty and life to any landscape.
$11.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1072
/ 2693
#1072 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-73%
Below average
Mature Height
30
/ inches
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking visually shifting, high-impact floral displays
- Eco-conscious homeowners prioritizing water-wise, low-maintenance landscapes
- Wildlife enthusiasts wanting to attract hummingbirds and butterflies
Who should skip it
- Busy gardeners preferring a hands-off, no-pruning plant
- Residents in humid climates or regions with harsh winters
- Owners of small garden beds with limited space
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Bi-colored blooms create a high-contrast focal point in any landscape.
Pollinator Attraction
Reliably draws bees and butterflies to your garden throughout the season.
Drought Tolerance
Establishes quickly to handle dry spells with minimal supplemental watering.
Maintenance Ease
A resilient, low-fuss perennial that thrives with very little intervention.
Pest Resistance
Naturally deters deer, keeping your garden safe from common browsing animals.
Versatility
Adapts seamlessly to containers, mass plantings, or traditional garden borders.
Key Specs
Mature Height
30 inches
Mature Width
5 feet
Growth Rate
Medium
Lifespan
Approximately 5 years
Foliage Color
Green
Hardiness Zone
6b
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Water Needs
Medium
Features
- Striking red and white two-toned flowers
- Evergreen foliage for year-round appeal
- Attracts bees and butterflies
- Deer resistant
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Low maintenance
- Suitable for containers
- Resilient to pollution and sea salts
What customers say
Customers highly value the Salvia 'Hot Lips' for its exceptional reliability and quality. This plant demonstrates impressive hardiness, thriving even in difficult conditions, which makes it remarkably easy to establish and care for. It consistently produces vibrant blooms throughout the entire season, attracting pollinators and adding significant visual appeal to any garden. Its robust performance solidifies its reputation as a dependable garden favorite, offering lasting satisfaction and confirming its superior quality for gardeners seeking a resilient and beautiful addition.
Know before you buy
The 'Hot Lips' variety is famous for its bicolor blooms, but the color ratio can shift based on temperature. In cooler weather, the flowers may appear more solid red, while warmer temperatures typically bring out the signature white tips.
Since this shrub reaches a mature width of about 5 feet, you should space them at least 4 to 5 feet apart if you want each plant to maintain its natural, rounded shape without overcrowding.
Yes, Salvia greggii is generally avoided by deer due to its aromatic foliage. While no plant is 100% deer-proof, this variety is a reliable choice for landscapes where deer pressure is a concern.
Absolutely. It performs well in pots as long as the container has excellent drainage and receives at least six hours of sunlight. Keep in mind that potted plants require more frequent watering than those planted directly in the ground.
Once established, 'Hot Lips' is quite drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out slightly between waterings. During the peak of summer, a deep soaking once a week is usually sufficient, though container-grown plants will need more frequent attention.
This is a low-maintenance shrub, but it benefits from a light pruning in late winter or early spring to encourage dense growth and fresh blooms. You can also deadhead spent flowers during the season to promote a second flush of color.
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$12