Scientific Name:
Salvia microphylla
Pronunciation:
SAL-vee-uh my-kro-FIL-uh
Common Name:
baby sage, Hot Lips salvia
Family Name:
Lamiaceae
Plant Type:
Annual (grown as), Herbaceous perennial
Key ID Features:
Leaves ovate, small, about 2-3cm long; raceme with two florets per node; flowers showy white, pink, purple, red with "two lips".
Habit:
Upright
Form:
Round
Texture:
Medium - fine
Mature Height:
0.4 - 0.7m
Mature Spread:
0.6 - 1.0m
Growth Rate:
Fast
Origin:
Mexico, U.S. - southwest
Hardiness Rating:
Zone 7: (-18 to -12 °C)
Exposure:
Full sun, Part sun/part shade
Soil/Growing Medium:
Well-drained
Water Use:
Low
Landscape Uses:
Attract beneficial insects, Attract butterflies, Bedding plant, Container planting, Hanging basket, Perennial border, Summer interest
Additional Info:
Google. Cultivars shown include S. 'Hot Lips'.
Leaf Morphology:
Form:
Simple
Arrangement:
Opposite
Texture/Venation:
Soft flexible
Surfaces:
Pubescent
Colour in Summer:
Dark-green
Shapes:
Ovate
Apices:
Rounded
Bases:
Rounded
Margins:
Serrate, Serrulate
Inflorescence Type:
Raceme
Flower Morphology:
Flowers perfect
Number Of Petals:
5
Corolla Shape:
Bilabiate
Ovary Position:
Superior
Colour (petals):
Showy, White, Purple, Pink, Red, Dark-red
Flower Time at Peak:
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Fruit Type:
Schizocarp
Fruit Colour:
Brown
Fruiting Time:
Sep, Oct
Additional Info:
Not showy, Ovary separates into four tiny mericarps or "nutlets" that are enclosed in a persistent calyx
Bark or Stem Colour:
Red, Brown
Propagation:
Seed, Division - below ground parts
Pest Susceptibility:
Beetles or weevils, Leafhopper or spittlebug, Stem borer insects (Disease resistant)
