How to care for Salvias Hot Lips?
Caring for Salvia Hot Lips is relatively straightforward and rewarding. These vibrant flowers thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. In hotter climates, they appreciate some afternoon shade to prevent stress. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, especially during the warmer months. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
How to prune Hot Lips Salvia?
Pruning Hot Lips Salvia helps maintain its compact shape and encourages continuous blooming. In late winter or early spring, cut back any dead or damaged growth, removing up to one-third of the plant’s height. You can also trim back leggy stems throughout the growing season to promote bushier growth and more flowers.
Is Salvia Hot Lips deer resistant?
Salvia Hot Lips is generally considered deer resistant due to its strong fragrance and unpalatable foliage. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, Hot Lips Salvia is less likely to be browsed by deer compared to other garden plants.
When should I cut back Salvias Hot Lips in the UK?
In the UK, it’s best to cut back Salvia Hot Lips in late winter or early spring, just before new growth emerges. This helps rejuvenate the plant and promotes vigorous growth and abundant flowering throughout the growing season.
How to deadhead Salvia Hot Lips?
Deadheading Salvia Hot Lips encourages continuous blooming and prevents the plant from expending energy on seed production. Simply remove spent flowers as they fade by pinching them off or cutting them back to a pair of leaves below the flower spike. Regular deadheading keeps the plant looking tidy and encourages more blooms.
Why does Salvia Hot Lips change color?
The color-changing phenomenon in Salvia Hot Lips is due to temperature fluctuations. In cooler weather, the flowers often display a white and red bicolor pattern, resembling “hot lips.” As temperatures rise, the flowers may become solid red. This color change is entirely natural and adds to the plant’s charm.
Are Hot Lips Salvia perennial?
Yes, Salvia Hot Lips is a perennial plant, meaning it can live for several years under the right growing conditions. With proper care, including regular watering, pruning, and fertilizing, Hot Lips Salvia can return year after year, providing beautiful blooms season after season.
Are Salvia Hot Lips frost hardy?
Salvia Hot Lips is considered frost hardy, tolerating temperatures down to around 20°F (-6°C) once established. However, in colder climates or during severe frosts, it’s advisable to provide winter protection by mulching around the base of the plant or covering it with a frost cloth.
Can Salvia Hot Lips be grown in pots?
Salvia Hot Lips can be grown in pots or containers, making it a versatile choice for gardens, patios, or balconies. Choose a pot with adequate drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting mix. Place the pot in a sunny location and water regularly, ensuring the soil doesn’t dry out completely. Container-grown Hot Lips Salvia may require more frequent watering than those planted in the ground.
How long do Hot Lip Salvia stay in bloom?
The bloom period of Salvia Hot Lips can vary depending on growing conditions and climate. Generally, they start blooming in late spring or early summer and continue until the first frost in fall. With regular deadheading and proper care, you can prolong the blooming period and enjoy their colorful flowers for several months.
