Autumn Sage - Hot Lips

Plant Type: evergreen perennial/shrub
Plant Height: 2–3 feet
Spread: 2–3 feet
Flower Color: bicolor red and white (sometimes all red or all white depending on temperature)
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Autumn Sage ‘Hot Lips’ (Salvia greggii): Unique Bicolor Blooms and Pollinator Appeal

‘Hot Lips’ Autumn Sage is a vibrant, heat-loving perennial known for its striking red-and-white bicolor flowers. This tough, long-blooming plant thrives in Arizona’s hot climate and is a magnet for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Its compact size, aromatic foliage, and drought tolerance make it a versatile addition to pollinator gardens and xeriscapes.

Key Features of Autumn Sage ‘Hot Lips’

• Distinctive Blooms: Produces eye-catching red-and-white flowers that may shift to solid red or white with seasonal temperature changes.
• Extended Flowering Season: Blooms heavily from spring through fall.
• Pollinator Magnet: Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
• Low Maintenance: Naturally compact and aromatic, requiring minimal care.

Growing and Care Tips

‘Hot Lips’ is one of the most resilient salvias for desert-friendly landscapes.

Soil: Prefers well-draining sandy or rocky soils; amend clay soils to improve drainage.
Water: Moderate during establishment; afterward, water every 10–14 days in summer.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring for healthy growth and blooms.
Pruning: Lightly shear after bloom cycles to encourage more flowers and keep the plant tidy.

Landscaping Uses

• Pollinator Gardens: Excellent for attracting hummingbirds and bees.
• Borders & Edging: Adds consistent seasonal color to pathways and garden beds.
• Accent Plant: Works beautifully in xeriscapes and Mediterranean-style gardens.
• Containers: Can be grown in pots for patios and courtyards.

Summary

Autumn Sage ‘Hot Lips’ is a bold, colorful perennial that thrives in heat and poor soils while delivering months of blooms. With its striking flowers and pollinator appeal, it’s a perfect choice for Arizona gardens seeking vibrant color with minimal upkeep.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Autumn Sage ‘Hot Lips’

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun for maximum blooms; tolerates partial shade.
Soil: Well-draining sandy or rocky soils are best.
Spacing: Plant 2–3 feet apart for borders or groupings.
Planting Depth: Keep crown level with soil surface.
Support: Not required—plants stay naturally upright and compact.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deep water after planting to settle roots.
• Frequency: Every 3–4 days for the first 2–3 weeks.
• Watering Amount: Enough to soak 6–8 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Generally after 2–3 months of consistent watering.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 10–14 days; more often for heavy blooming.
• Winter: Water every 3–4 weeks if dry.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Place 1 emitter 8–12 inches from plant base.
Flow Rate: 0.5–1 gallon per hour.
Number of Emitters: One per plant; two for mature shrubs.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase in extreme summer heat; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Autumn Sage ‘Hot Lips’:

• Soil Check: Allow the top 2–3 inches to dry before rewatering.
• Avoid Overwatering: Excess water encourages leggy growth and reduces flowering.
• Mulch: Apply gravel mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.