Salvia gregii 'Amethyst Lips' (Sage)

This stunning sage is a standout member of the beloved Hot Lips series. Salvia ‘Amethyst Lips’ shows off striking two-toned flowers—deep wine-red lower lips with crisp white uppers—that bloom abundantly from summer through fall. Flower spikes reach about 30 inches tall and are a favorite of hummingbirds and other pollinators. The aromatic, narrow green leaves add texture and fragrance to your garden, and the branching habit creates a full, bushy plant about 30" tall x 24" wide at maturity.

Salvia ‘Amethyst Lips’ is a perfect fit for sunny beds, mixed borders, and containers. It’s also right at home in pollinator gardens and water-wise landscapes. The dried stems bring a rustic scent indoors, too. It is hardy to around 5°F when protected from windchill.

This variety is easy to grow, thrives in well-drained soil, and handles heat and drought like a champ once established. Deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone, making it a great low-maintenance choice. For best performance, give it full sun (some light shade is okay) and prune it back to about 12 inches in late winter to encourage fresh new growth in spring.