Hot Lips Sage is a compact, tender perennial shrub prized for its striking bicolor red-and-white tubular flowers that deepen in color during cool weather. A prolific bloomer and reliable pollinator magnet, it thrives in dry conditions and is ideal for xeriscaping and container gardens.
Overview
Form
Mounding
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
2–3′ tall × 2–3′ wide
Dormancy
semi-evergreen
Tolerances & Soil
Zone 7aZone 11b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 7a to Zone 11b
Seasonality
Bloom Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Harvest Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Season of Interest
SpringSummerFall
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
early successional
Native Range
Mexico (Jalisco)
Function & Care
medicinalpollinator nectarywildlife benefitedible
Edible Parts
leafflower
Establishment & Care
Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Propagation
seed, cutting
Notable Cultivars
Hot Lips is the most popular cultivar, known for its temperature-sensitive red-and-white bicolor flowers. Cerro Potosí is a closely related cultivar with solid red flowers and similar growing requirements.
