Hot Lips Sage

Hot Lips Sage

1 Gallon
$16.00
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Hot Lips Sage
1/5

Hot Lips Sage

Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'

A fast-growing, long-blooming sage with whimsical red-and-white bicolor flowers that attract hummingbirds.

$16.00
Size

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Hot Lips Sage is a playful and prolific shrub salvia famous for its uniquely patterned flowers. The small, two-lipped blooms are a whimsical combination of bright red and pure white, with the pattern changing based on temperature—sometimes all red, sometimes all white, but often with the classic "hot lips" look. It blooms almost continuously from spring to frost with a light, fruity fragrance. Fast-growing and heat-loving, it's a delightful and conversation-starting plant for borders, containers, or as a low hedge.

  • Whimsical Red and White Bicolor Flowers: Produces charming flowers that look like painted lips, with color patterns that vary with the weather.

  • Non-Stop Bloomer: Flowers relentlessly from late spring until the first hard freeze.

  • Fast-Growing & Heat Loving: Quickly fills space and thrives in hot, sunny locations.

  • Attracts Hummingbirds & Butterflies: The tubular flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds.

  • Lightly Fragrant Foliage: The small leaves release a pleasant, fruity scent when brushed.

Knowing how we measure the size?

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

  • A larger gallon size generally means:

    • A more established root system

    • A sturdier plant

    • Faster visual impact after planting

  • Example:

    • 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity

    • 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.


🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Ornamental trees

    • Feature plants

    • Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.

  • Why choose Multi:

    • Fuller, more sculptural appearance

    • Strong visual presence even at younger ages

    • Popular for design-focused landscapes


🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Shade trees

    • Street trees

    • Orchard and structural plantings

  • Why choose Stand:

    • Clean, classic tree form

    • Easier clearance for walkways and lawns

    • Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity


🌿 Choosing the Right Size

  • If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form

  • If you want long-term structure → Stand form

  • If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Quick facts
  • Features:Oval-shaped, serrated green leaves with slight aromatic fragrance. Produces striking bicolor red-and-white, two-lipped flowers on upright stems with exceptionally long blooming season.
  • Mature Height: 2-3 ft
  • Mature Width: 2-3 ft
  • Growth Rate: Fast
  • Light Needs: Full sun
  • Key Advantages:Unique bicolor flowers,Continuous blooms from spring through fall,Extreme heat and drought tolerance,Deer and rabbit resistant
  • Landscape Uses:Mediterranean gardens,Rock gardens,Pollinator gardens,Container plantings,Low hedges
  • Special Care:Deadhead to encourage rebloom,Prune back in early spring,Thrives in poor, well-drained soils,Minimal watering once established
  • Seasonal Interest:Flowers: May through November,Foliage: Semi-evergreen
FAQs

Q: Why are my flowers all red or all white?A: The color variation is temperature-dependent. In theheat of summer, it tends to produceall-redflowers. Incooler spring/fall weather, it produces the classicbicolor "Hot Lips"or evenall-whiteflowers. This is a normal and charming characteristic of the plant.

Browse online or get recommendations

Shop by collection, or message us with photos and measurements of your space for tailored suggestions.

Place your order & schedule delivery

Choose your trees and preferred delivery window. Most Bay Area orders are delivered within about 10 business days, depending on routing and weather.

We deliver carefully to your property

Our drivers are trained to handle living plants, not just boxes. For many trees, we can set them in place near the planting site.

Grow with our ongoing support

You’ll receive basic care guidelines, and you can always reach out if you’re unsure about watering, fertilizing, or pruning.

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