Potted Hot Lips: A Fiery Display For Your Patio

The Hot Lips plant, scientifically known as Salvia microphylla, is a vibrant and eye-catching addition to any garden or balcony. With its striking red and white flowers resembling luscious lips, this plant is a popular choice for gardeners. One of its greatest appeals is its versatility—Hot Lips can be easily grown in a pot, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether you have a sunny windowsill, a balcony, or a garden bed, this plant will add a touch of colour and charm to your surroundings.

Choosing the right pot

Drainage

One of the most important considerations when choosing a pot for your Hot Lips plant is drainage. Make sure the pot has good drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from pooling, which can lead to root rot. Hot Lips plants thrive in well-drained soil, so adequate drainage is essential.

Size

Select a pot that is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system and allow for growth. A 10-12 inch pot is generally sufficient for most Hot Lips plants. Avoid choosing a pot that is too large, as this can cause the soil to dry slowly, making your plant more susceptible to root rot. Similarly, a pot that is too small can cause the soil to dry out too quickly, requiring frequent watering.

Material

The material of the pot can also impact the health of your Hot Lips plant. Terra cotta or clay pots are popular options, known for their beautiful patterns and ability to allow water to evaporate through the sides, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. However, they are heavier and more delicate than other materials. Plastic pots, on the other hand, are lightweight, low-cost, and easy to find. They retain moisture, so you won't need to water as frequently. Just ensure they have drainage holes to prevent root rot. Ceramic or glazed pots are sturdy and attractive but can be heavy, especially for larger plants.

Repotting

Remember that Hot Lips plants require repotting every 2-3 years or when you notice the roots becoming pot-bound. Choose a slightly larger pot each time you repot to accommodate the plant's growth.

Soil

While the choice of pot is important, don't forget about the soil. Hot Lips plants thrive in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH level. Use a high-quality potting mix rich in organic matter, and consider adding perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.

Soil and planting

The Hot Lips plant, scientifically known as Salvia microphylla, is a vibrant, colourful addition to any garden or balcony. It is a sun-loving plant that requires a good amount of sunlight and thrives in well-drained soil. Here is a comprehensive guide to selecting the right soil and planting your Hot Lips.

Soil Selection:

Hot Lips plants are not too demanding when it comes to soil type, but they do have some specific requirements. Here are some key considerations:

• Well-drained Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging and root rot. You can improve drainage by adding perlite, coarse sand, or vermiculite to the soil.
• Soil pH: Hot Lips plants prefer slightly acidic soil.
• Soil Mix: Use a high-quality potting mix that is rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy clay-based soils as they retain too much moisture.
• Nutrient Level: Hot Lips plants can thrive in poor soils with low nutrient levels. They are not very picky and will do well in most conditions.
• Soil Type: Sandy, well-draining soil is optimal for Hot Lips plants. Avoid rich soils that are slow-draining.

Planting Your Hot Lips:

Once you have selected the appropriate soil and prepared your pot or garden bed, follow these steps for successful planting:

• Fill the Pot: Fill your chosen pot or garden bed with the prepared soil mix, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball.
• Remove from Nursery Container: Gently remove the Hot Lips plant from its nursery container, taking care not to damage the roots.
• Positioning the Plant: Place the plant in the centre of the pot or garden bed, ensuring it is at the same level as it was in the nursery container.
• Fill and Firm the Soil: Fill the remaining space around the plant with soil, gently firming it down to remove any air pockets.
• Watering: Water the plant thoroughly immediately after planting to help settle the soil and provide hydration to the roots.
• Spacing: When planting multiple Hot Lips plants, space them at least 30 cm apart to allow adequate room for root development.
• Transplanting: If you are transplanting from a pot, plant the Hot Lips in a hole deep enough to submerge the root ball.

By following these guidelines for soil selection and planting, you will be well on your way to successfully growing vibrant and healthy Hot Lips plants.

Light and temperature requirements

Hot Lips plants are sun-loving plants that require full sun and at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They should be placed in a south-facing aspect in a sheltered location, preferably in a sunny window sill or a spot on a balcony or patio. While they can tolerate partial shade, it is not advisable as it may result in fewer blooms and leggy stems.

Hot Lips plants thrive in well-drained, moist, and moderately fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH level. The soil should be able to dry out between waterings to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Sandy, well-drained soil is optimal, and you can amend the soil with perlite, sand, or vermiculite to improve drainage if needed.

In terms of temperature, Hot Lips plants prefer moderate temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). They are quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but avoid placing them near drafts or extreme temperature fluctuations. In very hot weather, the blooms may turn fully red or white, and white blooms are more common as day length decreases in late summer.

If you live in a cold climate, it is essential to protect your Hot Lips plant during the winter. You can bring potted plants indoors or provide insulation with horticultural fleece or organic mulch to protect the roots. Pruning should be done in late winter to early spring, before new growth emerges, and regular pruning will help maintain a compact and bushy shape.

Watering and fertilizing

Watering your Hot Lips plant correctly is crucial for its health. The plant is drought-tolerant once established, but it's important to water it regularly when it's young and during dry spells. Water deeply and allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot. Check the soil moisture level of potted shrubs daily, as they will need to be watered more regularly than those in the ground.

Hot Lips plants thrive in moist but well-drained soil. Sandy, well-draining soil is optimal, but they are not picky and can even thrive in poor soils. Avoid swampy, dense, or clay soils, and amend the soil with perlite, sand, or vermiculite to improve drainage if necessary. Ensure the pot has good drainage holes to prevent water from pooling.

During the growing season, which is typically spring through fall, fertilize your Hot Lips plant every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.

Pruning and maintenance

Timing of Pruning:

The ideal time to prune your Hot Lips plant is during early spring or after the last frost in your area. This allows the plant to recover and prepares it for the upcoming blooming season.

Tools Required:

• Pruning shears: Sharp bypass pruning shears will easily cut through the stems.
• Gardening gloves: These will protect your hands from scratches and thorns.
• Disinfectant: Disinfect your pruning shears with rubbing alcohol or bleach before and after each use to prevent the spread of diseases.

Step-by-Step Pruning Process:

• Assess the Plant: Check for any dead, damaged, or diseased branches that need removal. Identify crossing or overcrowded branches that may hinder air circulation.
• Remove Dead or Damaged Branches: Cut back any dead or damaged branches to their point of origin, ensuring you don't damage healthy growth around them.
• Prune Crossing or Overcrowded Branches: Choose one of the crossing branches and remove it entirely by cutting it back to its origin. This gives the remaining branch room to grow.
• Deadhead Spent Flowers: Prolong the blooming period by cutting back faded or wilted flowers to a healthy set of leaves or nodes. This redirects the plant's energy towards new blooms.
• Shape and Size Control: If your plant has become leggy or overgrown, trim it back by one-third to one-half, focusing on the longer or unruly branches. This promotes bushier growth and prevents the plant from overtaking other plants.

Aftercare:

Once you've finished pruning, follow these steps:

• Water: Give your plant a good watering to help it recover and ensure the soil is well-drained.
• Fertilize: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer for healthy growth.
• Mulch: Add a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots.
• Monitor: Keep a close eye on your plant for any signs of new growth or potential issues. Regularly inspect the leaves, stems, and flowers for pests or diseases.

Repotting:

To prevent overcrowding, repot your Hot Lips plant every 2-3 years or when you notice the roots becoming pot-bound. Choose a slightly larger pot and refresh the soil during repotting.

Pest and Disease Control:

Hot Lips plants are generally resistant to most pests and diseases. However, they may occasionally attract aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Regularly inspect your plant and use a strong blast of water or organic insecticidal soap to control pests if needed.

Frequently asked questions