Salvia 'Hot Lips'

A few days ago, we noticed a new flower had popped up in the gardens behind the Flight Encounter, one that was never planted there. No doubt the wind, or perhaps a passing bird, dropped off a seed and gave the gift of one of the most striking salvias out there - Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'.

Salvia microphylla is native to Arizona and the mountains of Mexico. This particular variety, 'Hot Lips', was found in the Chiapas region of Mexico and introduced to warmer regions of the U.S., where it does well in hot and dry conditions.

Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' is hardy to zone 8, and can handle light frost. A hard freeze kills it to the ground, but it should return from the root when conditions are right. It loves full sun and is very drought-tolerant. Like many Salvia species, 'Hot Lips' is a good source of nectar and is a welcome addition in any butterfly garden.