Salvia microphylla aka Hot Lips

Taxonomy

Genus Salvia Family Lamiaceae Order Lamiales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Salvia microphylla, also known as baby sage, Graham's sage, or blackcurrant sage, is an evergreen shrub that can be found in the wild in southeastern Arizona and the mountains of eastern, western, and southern Mexico. This complex species easily hybridizes, resulting in numerous hybrids and cultivars that have been introduced into horticulture since the 1990s. The name microphylla, derived from Greek, refers to its small leaved nature. In Mexico, it is commonly referred to as mirto de montes or "myrtle of the mountains". This hardy and bushy shrub features dark green, oval leaves and delicate pale pink and white flowers that bloom throughout the spring and summer. Growing to a height and width of 1 to 1.3 meters (3.3 to 4.3 feet), Salvia microphylla blooms in its first year and reaches its full size in the second year. The leaves are ovate in shape, varying in size, and can be smooth or lightly covered with hairs. When crushed, the leaves emit a strong fragrance that has been described as pleasant and mint-like, with hints of blackcurrant aroma, hence the English name "blackcurrant sage". It has the ability to spread underground, forming dense patches. Along with its cultivars and hybrids, S. microphylla blooms profusely in late spring and again in autumn, with sporadic flowering year-round in mild conditions. The flowers are arranged in whorls and exhibit a wide range of colors including magenta, red, pink, and rose.

Common names

Hot Lips, Baby Sage, Blackcurrant Sage

How to care for Hot Lips

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Hot Lips due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Hot Lips should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Hot Lips loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Hot Lips thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Blackcurrant Sage.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Hot Lips to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Hot Lips. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Hot Lips is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Hot Lips’s native range is Worldwide.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Salvia Genus

Salvia microphylla Hot Lips

Salvia vaseyi Scallopleaf Sage

Salvia pratensis Meadow Clary

Salvia divinorum Yerba De La Pastora

Salvia sonomensis Sonoma Sage

Salvia sclarea Clary

Salvia nemorosa Woodland Sage

Salvia argentea Silver Sage

Salvia ballotiflora Shrubby Blue Sage

Salvia moorcroftiana