Enhanced Summer Growth of 'Hot Lips' Salvia: Simple Adjustments Made for Optimal Blooming
For those seeking to add a vibrant and eye-catching touch to their gardens, Salvia 'Hot Lips' is a must-have variety. Known for its optimistic colour and titillating name, this perennial plant boasts dainty, scented green leaves and fabulous lipstick red and white flowers.
To ensure the best possible growth and flowering of Salvia 'Hot Lips', follow these key tips:
**1. Provide Adequate Sunlight**
Salvias are sun-worshippers and require a lot of light to thrive. Ensure your Salvia 'Hot Lips' receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day[1][5].
**2. Soil and Drainage**
Use well-drained soil to prevent waterlogged roots. Avoid planting in areas with clay that could retain water, potentially causing root rot[2][3].
**3. Watering**
Water your Salvia 'Hot Lips' heavily in its first year to establish a robust root system. After the first year, reduce watering to a minimum. These plants are drought-tolerant and should only be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch, unless extreme heat conditions prevail[1][3].
**4. Fertilization**
Salvias require very little fertilizer. Using chemical fertilizers can often have adverse effects. If necessary, use a small amount of organic rose and flower food once in April and another dose in early July[1][2].
**5. Deadheading**
Regularly deadhead Salvia 'Hot Lips' to encourage a profusion of new blooms and extend the flowering period. Remove wilted or browning flowers promptly using lightweight snips[1][4].
**6. Pruning**
Although not specifically mentioned for 'Hot Lips', generally, pruning in late winter can help some Salvias prepare for the next flowering season by removing dead or damaged growth[3].
Improving the soil is the most impactful modification for Salvia 'Hot Lips'. Chemical fertilizers can encourage aphids and delay hardening off for winter. Companion planting is crucial for Salvia's success, with roses and marigolds being particularly suitable companions. The sulfur in Salvia's leaves helps keep roses fungus-free.
Marigolds can help improve drainage for 'Hot Lips' by aerating the soil with their deep root systems. Shopping for Salvias can result in a sensational summer display, with the vibrant and eye-catching variety Salvia 'Roman Red' being a popular choice.
Removing wilted or browning blooms immediately prevents them from going to seed. Salvia 'Hot Lips' is one of the most discernible types of salvias, known for its titillating name and sensational colors.
By following these guidelines, you should see improved growth and flowering in your Salvia 'Hot Lips' plants. These low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants are highly attractive to pollinators, making them a great addition to any garden.
To augment the growth and flowering of your Salvia 'Hot Lips', consider improving the soil quality. Organic matter and compost can significantly enhance the soil, allowing for better nutrient absorption.
Maintaining a home-and-garden with a variety of colorful and fragrant plants can contribute to an appealing lifestyle, and pairing Salvia 'Hot Lips' with companion plants such as roses and marigolds can create a visually appealing and beneficial garden setting.
