How to grow Salvia 'Hot Lips' in the UK
Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'
Salvia 'Hot Lips' (Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips') is a flower that grows well in UK gardens. Borderline-hardy perennial usually grown as annual. Bee favourite. Flowers May to November. This guide covers when and how to sow Salvia 'Hot Lips', the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
Type
Flowers
Difficulty
Easy — good for beginners
Position
full sun (6+ hrs direct)
Sow
spring
Harvest
—
When to sow & grow Salvia 'Hot Lips'
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May Plant | Jun Plant | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Any reasonable, moisture-retentive but free-draining soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Position
- Full sun for most; some tolerate light shade
- Sowing depth
- Surface to 1 cm (check light requirement)
- Spacing
- 15–30 cm apart
- Sowing
- Sow under cover late winter–spring, or direct after the last frost
- Growing
- Water regularly; pinch tips for bushier plants
- Harvest & upkeep
- Deadhead often to prolong flowering
- Watch for
- Slugs and snails on seedlings; aphids on soft growth
Companion planting for Salvia 'Hot Lips'
No specific companion notes for this plant.
Grow Salvia 'Hot Lips' this year
Add Salvia 'Hot Lips' to your free 12-month plan and get watering & sowing reminders — no sign-up needed.
Salvia 'Hot Lips' FAQs
How much sun does Salvia 'Hot Lips' need?
Salvia 'Hot Lips' prefers full sun (6+ hrs direct).
Is Salvia 'Hot Lips' easy to grow?
Easy — good for beginners. Borderline-hardy perennial usually grown as annual. Bee favourite. Flowers May to November.