Troubleshooting
Salvia 'Hot Lips' problems — and how to fix them
Salvia 'Hot Lips' (Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Floppy, woody, bare base
Without pruning it becomes leggy and open; cut back hard in spring to keep it bushy and encourage fresh flowering stems.
Winter loss in cold, wet soil
Borderline hardy — most losses come from waterlogged winter ground rather than cold alone; plant in sharply drained soil and mulch the crown.
Reduced bloom in shade or rich soil
Too little sun or over-feeding cuts flowering; grow lean and sunny for continuous colour.
Powdery mildew in humid sites
Occasional in damp, crowded conditions; improve airflow and avoid overhead watering.
Prevent salvia 'hot lips' problems before they start
Most salvia 'hot lips' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common baby sage problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Salvia 'Hot Lips' watering schedule
- Salvia 'Hot Lips' light requirements
- Best soil mix for salvia 'hot lips'
- Salvia 'Hot Lips' temperature & humidity
- Full salvia 'hot lips' care guide
Looking for salvia 'hot lips' in general rather than its problems? Read the full salvia 'hot lips' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Salvia 'Hot Lips' problems — FAQ
Why is my salvia 'hot lips' floppy, woody, bare base?
Without pruning it becomes leggy and open; cut back hard in spring to keep it bushy and encourage fresh flowering stems.
Why is my salvia 'hot lips' winter loss in cold, wet soil?
Borderline hardy — most losses come from waterlogged winter ground rather than cold alone; plant in sharply drained soil and mulch the crown.
Why is my salvia 'hot lips' reduced bloom in shade or rich soil?
Too little sun or over-feeding cuts flowering; grow lean and sunny for continuous colour.
Why is my salvia 'hot lips' powdery mildew in humid sites?
Occasional in damp, crowded conditions; improve airflow and avoid overhead watering.