Salvia jamensis: Varieties and Growing Guide for UK Gardens

Salvia jamensis is a naturally occurring hybrid between Salvia microphylla and Salvia greggii, first found growing in the Jamena canyon in Mexico. For practical purposes in the garden it behaves similarly to microphylla — same long flowering season, same semi-hardy status, same growing requirements — but the flower form is slightly more refined and the range includes some of the most distinctive bicolour varieties in the salvia world, particularly the Lips series.

In UK gardens the jamensis group is best known through ‘Hot Lips’, which is technically a jamensis despite being widely sold as greggii or microphylla. Beyond Hot Lips, the jamensis range includes Love and Wishes, Sierra San Antonio, Raspberry Royale and others that together make up one of the most garden-worthy groups of shrubby salvias available.

Key Salvia jamensis Varieties

Salvia jamensis ‘Hot Lips’ — Red and white bicolour, the most widely grown salvia in UK gardens. See our full Lips collection guide.

Salvia jamensis ‘Love and Wishes’ — Rich red-purple flowers with deep burgundy stems — one of the most distinctive jamensis varieties in terms of overall effect. Flowers from June to November and works beautifully alongside Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ for a deep purple and burgundy combination.

Salvia jamensis ‘Sierra San Antonio’ — Cream and peach flowers — a warm, unusual colour combination that is at the other end of the spectrum from the typical pink and red salvias. Excellent in gravel gardens and Mediterranean-style plantings.

Salvia jamensis ‘Raspberry Royale’ — Deep raspberry-pink flowers with a strong vigour and upright habit. Reaches around 80cm and provides a saturated warm pink that sits between Pink Lips and Amethyst Lips in the colour range.

Growing Salvia jamensis in the UK

Full sun and free-draining soil — identical requirements to Salvia microphylla. Feed fortnightly with high-potash liquid fertiliser May to September. Cut back in spring once new growth appears at the base. Deadhead every two to three weeks. Semi-hardy (RHS H3–H4) — mulch in October in sheltered gardens or take August cuttings in colder areas.

See our microphylla and jamensis care guide, cuttings guide and overwintering guide for full detail.

Browse all Salvia jamensis varieties at Middleton Nurseries

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Salvia jamensis?

Salvia jamensis is a natural hybrid between Salvia microphylla and Salvia greggii, first found in the Jamena canyon in Mexico. In the garden it behaves similarly to microphylla — long flowering season from May to frosts, semi-hardy, compact bushy habit — but includes some of the most distinctive varieties in the shrubby salvia group, including ‘Hot Lips’.

Is ‘Hot Lips’ a Salvia jamensis or microphylla?

Technically ‘Hot Lips’ is a Salvia jamensis — a hybrid between microphylla and greggii. However it is widely sold under both names and behaves identically to microphylla varieties in terms of growing requirements, hardiness and season length.

Are Salvia jamensis varieties hardy in the UK?

Semi-hardy (RHS H3–H4). They survive mild UK winters in sheltered south-facing gardens with a generous October mulch. In colder or more exposed gardens, take semi-ripe cuttings in August and overwinter in a frost-free space.

How long does Salvia jamensis flower?

From May right through to the first frosts — one of the longest flowering seasons of any garden plant. Regular deadheading every two to three weeks maintains continuous flowering.