Description
Form: Herb.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Leaf retention: Evergreen in frost-free regions.
Growth rate: Moderate to rapid.
Mature Size: 2-3' high and wide.
Flowers: Similar to Salvia greggii in shape, the flowers can be red, red and
white, or white, depending on temperature during flower bud formation. High
temperatures result in all white.
Bloom: Fall, heaviest in winter, sporadically throughout spring.
Fruit: Up to four tiny seeds at the base of each dried calyx (cup-like
structure that holds the flower petals and ovary).
Leaves: Green, small, almost triangular, toothed edges.
Stems: No thorns, herbaceous.
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Mexico.
Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 8-10. This plant is killed to the ground by hard freezes
but will come back from its roots.
Heat tolerant: Somewhat.
Drought tolerant: Yes, in part shade.
Sun: One-quarter to three-quarters shade. Avoid full sun and full shade.
Water once established: Once or twice a month in part shade.
Weekly in nearly full sun. Over watering results in a leggy appearance.
Soil: Well drained, pH 6.1-7.8 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline).
Prune: Mid winter in frost-free zones, trim to shape. Do not remove more than
one-third of the growth.
Litter: Low except for winter cleanup.
Propagation: Dividing the rootball, layering, seed. Seed will not grow true
to the parents.
Uses: Shaded ornamental. For culinary mint plants, see
Low Water Culinary Herbs.
Comments
This plant is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). In the past it has mistakenly been
identified as Salvia microphylla 'Hot lips' or Salvia greggii 'Hot lips'.
This plant may cross-pollinate with other salvias, including Salvia greggii, making
identification difficult.
Do you have additional information or a different experience for these plants that you would
like to share? Email info@GardenOracle.com. All contributions are welcome and appreciated.