Hot Lips Salvia Salvia microphylla
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as Baby Sage presents a vibrant and shrubby appearance. It has a dense growth of small, oval-shaped leaves that exhibit a rich green color, often exuding a pleasant fragrance when brushed or crushed. The foliage may sometimes have a fine texture or slight hairiness which adds to its sensory appeal. Flowering prolifically, Baby Sage produces an abundance of attractive blooms that range in color from deep reds to pinks and sometimes purples, with a tubular shape that's particularly appealing to pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. These flowers are arranged in whorls that encircle the square stems typical of plants in its family. The overall impression of Baby Sage is of a lush, floriferous plant that adds both color and fragrance to the gardens and landscapes where it thrives. Its visual appeal is enhanced by its tendency to bloom over a long period, making it a valuable addition for continuous bursts of color.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Baby Sage, Blackcurrant Sage, Graham's Sage, Littleleaf Sage, Mountain Sage.
Common names
Salvia grahamii, Salvia lemmonii, Salvia microphylla var. neurepia, Salvia microphylla var. wislizeni, Salvia neurepia, Salvia pachyphylla, Salvia sonomensis, Salvia wislizeni.
ToxicityTo humans
Salvia microphylla, commonly known as Baby Sage, generally is not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of Baby Sage typically does not result in poisoning or adverse health consequences. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivities can vary, and it's always best to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plant material unless it is known to be safe and intended for human consumption.
To pets
Salvia microphylla, commonly referred to as Baby Sage, is not known to be toxic to pets, such as cats or dogs. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from this plant, as it is not considered poisonous to these animals. However, consumption of any plant might lead to gastrointestinal upset in pets due to individual sensitivities, or if consumed in large quantities. It's generally advisable to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not meant for their consumption to avoid any potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7-10
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia microphylla, commonly known as baby sage, is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are essential for pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Baby sage is drought-tolerant once established, making it a suitable choice for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its bright, colorful flowers and attractive foliage, this plant adds visual interest and beauty to any landscape.
- Low Maintenance: Baby sage is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care and infrequent watering, which makes it a convenient option for busy gardeners.
- Fragrance: The leaves and flowers of baby sage have a pleasant scent that can add a layer of sensory enjoyment to a garden or patio area.
- Culinary Use: Some varieties of Salvia microphylla are edible and can be used in cooking to add flavor to dishes.
- Long Blooming Period: Baby sage has a long flowering season, often blooming from late spring to frost, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
- Deer Resistance: This plant is often resistant to deer, which makes it a good choice for gardens in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Versatility: Baby sage can be used in various landscape designs, including borders, rock gardens, and as a ground cover, adding versatility to garden planning.
- Companion Planting: It can serve as a companion plant in the garden, helping to protect and enhance the growth of nearby plants.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant activity: Salvia microphylla, also known as Baby Sage, has demonstrated antioxidant properties due to its phenolic and flavonoid contents, which may help in neutralizing free radicals.
- Antimicrobial effects: Some studies have shown that extracts from Salvia microphylla possess antimicrobial properties against various pathogens.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: The plant is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory effects, which can help in reducing inflammation in various conditions.
- Anxiolytic effects: Salvia microphylla has been reported to have anxiolytic properties, which may help in reducing anxiety.
- Gastroprotective potential: There is some evidence to suggest that Salvia microphylla may have protective effects on the gastrointestinal system.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Salvia microphylla, commonly known as "Baby Sage," can be used as a natural dye for textiles, providing a range of colors from greens to browns depending on the mordants used.
- In the kitchen, Baby Sage's flowers are edible and can be used as a colorful garnish on salads and desserts, imparting a subtle sage flavor.
- The plant can be incorporated into potpourri mixtures for its aromatic leaves, which retain their fragrance when dried.
- Some gardeners use Baby Sage as a companion plant to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, benefiting the whole garden ecosystem.
- Creative crafters can use the stems and leaves of Baby Sage to make natural wreaths or as decorative elements in floral arrangements.
- As a relatively drought-tolerant plant, Baby Sage can be used in xeriscaping, helping to conserve water in landscaping projects.
- The plant can serve as a natural insect repellent, with its strong scent deterring pests from nearby plants.
- Baby Sage can be dried and used as a sustainable, eco-friendly fire starter due to its high oil content in the leaves.
- The crushed leaves of Baby Sage may be used as a natural deodorizer for closets and drawers, providing a fresh, herbal scent.
- Farmers and gardeners might use Baby Sage as a cover crop in their rotations to enrich the soil with organic matter and attract beneficial insects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hot Lips (Salvia microphylla) is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hot Lips is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing - Salvia microphylla, commonly known as "Hot Lips," is a member of the sage family, and sages have been associated with healing due to their medicinal properties.
- Protection - Sage plants, in general, have been used in various cultures for protection against evil and to cleanse spaces from negative energies.
- Wisdom - The name 'Salvia' comes from the Latin 'salvere' which means "to save" or "to heal," indicating a connection to wisdom and knowledge, as it was often used by herbalists and healers.
- Immortality - In various folklores, sage is associated with longevity and even immortality, likely due to its health benefits and ability to preserve food.
- Spirituality - Salvia species have been used in spiritual rituals and smudging ceremonies, symbolizing a connection to the spiritual realm.
WaterFor the common name "hot lips sage," water the plant deeply and infrequently to promote a deep root system. Typically, watering once a week is sufficient, but this can vary based on climate and soil type. During the summer, hot lips sage may require more frequent watering, potentially twice a week, especially in drier conditions. Ensure each watering session thoroughly soaks the soil, using about 1 gallon of water per plant. Adjust watering during the fall and winter, reducing frequency as the plant enters dormancy.
LightHot lips sage thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this may reduce flowering and lead to leggy growth.
TemperatureHot lips sage prefers temperate conditions and is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit during winter. The ideal temperature range for growing hot lips sage is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season.
PruningPrune hot lips sage to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote more blooms. Pruning is best done in the spring after the last frost to remove any dead or damaged growth. Moderate pruning can also be performed after the first flush of flowers to stimulate a second bloom period in late summer or early fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Baby Sage prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a neutral to slightly acidic pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A recommended soil mix would consist of one part garden soil, one part peat moss or coco coir, and one part perlite or sand to ensure good drainage.
RepottingBaby Sage should be repotted every 1-2 years to provide fresh soil and encourage growth. It's best to repot in the spring just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingThe Baby Sage thrives in average room humidity. It doesn't require high humidity and can tolerate dry air typical of most home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Baby Sage in bright, indirect sunlight and water when soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant Baby Sage in full sun to partial shade in fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleSalvia microphylla, commonly known as Baby Sage or Hot Lips, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate, typically in spring when soil temperatures are warm enough for root and shoot development. Seedlings emerge and establish a basic root system, while their first true leaves develop for photosynthesis. As the plant grows, it enters the vegetative stage, producing a robust framework of stems and foliage, vital for energy capture and resource accumulation. Once mature, Baby Sage produces vibrant red and white flowers, attracting pollinators that assist in the reproductive stage, during which pollination and fertilization occur. Following pollination, seeds develop within the flowers and, upon maturation, are dispersed to new locations to germinate and start the life cycle anew. Baby Sage is a perennial, so after the flowering season, it enters a period of dormancy, especially in cooler climates, only to regrow from the same root system in the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Salvia microphylla, commonly known as Baby Sage, can be propagated most effectively through stem cuttings. This method is usually best performed in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate Baby Sage using stem cuttings, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and make a cut about 4 to 6 inches long (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters). It's important to cut just below a leaf node, as this is where roots are most likely to develop. The leaves from the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and then the stem can be dipped into rooting hormone before being placed into a moist potting mix. Proper humidity and warmth are crucial for root development, and roots typically begin to form within a few weeks. Once the cuttings have developed a strong root system, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
