Salvia x jamensis “Hot Lips”

Autumn Sage, Hot Lips Sage
Salvia x jamensis “Hot Lips” ( also Salvia x microphylla “Hot Lips”)
Type: Semi-Hardy (Tender) Perennial
Exposure: Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular / Drought Tolerant Once Established

This open, shrubby ornamental sage will reach 3ft (90cm) high and 2ft (60cm) wide, its stems covered with small glossy green leaves that are wonderfully fragrant when brushed or bruised. The smell is said to resemble that of blackcurrant. The profuse blooms begin in May and are famously long-lasting; it’s been known to continue its show right into the fall. The blooms themselves are real attention grabbers: some are snow white, some are candy apple red, but most are a combination of both. The plant should be cut back yearly, usually in November or so, after the flowers are gone and the leaves are looking tired. It’ll bounce right back the following year.

Hot Lips will survive winters to 20F (-7C), which means that it should survive most winters around here, but a particularly cold one could kill it. Some people in colder regions treat it as an annual, but coastal gardeners could probably protect it by insulating it with a thick layer of mulch, or by planting it in a container that could be moved to a warmer spot in especially cold weather.

Cheers!

John