Salvia microphylla aka Hot Lips

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.