Hot Lips Sage is gaining wide and widespread appeal for its ideal combination of sun-drying and strong tactile appeal. Drought resistant and extremely adaptable, this herb thrives through both the extreme heat of Tucson summer heat but survives the bitter cold of wintertime as well. The hot, dry climate of Arizona’s deserts, combined with the persistent sunlight provided by the passing landscape lines, are perfect growing grounds for this sage.
When first planted, the young saplings of Hot Lips Sage were initially grown in shallow holes dug in the soil. Since the plant was not expected to survive the long, cold winters, it was necessary to water the plant often, and to keep it out of the coldest areas of the southwestern United States. In order to prepare the soil for planting seeds, seed packages of Hot Lips Sage were sold in the state flower shops.
This perennial herb begins to grow, producing small grayish green leaves in late spring. The sage bush reaches a height of only four to six feet tall and grows up to two feet across. Well-drained soil that is between one and fifteen inches deep is ideal for herb gardening in the southern United States.
As the plant grows, the leaves gradually turn yellow from a light golden color to a dark green. The flowers develop at maturity and bloom for one to two weeks. Each flower is about one inch in diameter and blooms for one month. Flowers and leaves became covered with a powdery white sap. The plant assumes a sage-like growth habit and grows on the ground in a straight, upright position. The name Hot Lips comes from the hot, sweet flavor of its fresh leaves.
The name Hot Lips came from a poem by Mary Pickford who wrote a popular children’s book called The Mysterious Maid. The name was suggested by the fact that, as she sat on her porch looking out the window at the flower garden, the wind suddenly blew a leaf of Hot Lips from the plant. It had fallen to the pavement where Mary picked it up and placed it under a stone. Today, when a visitor to the herb garden sees a Rosemary growing close to the sidewalk, she will be thinking of this popular children’s story and the legend of Hot Lips.
Hot Lips sage can be grown in a variety of environments. In the southern United States, it grows well in shaded areas, from corner shrubs to trees. If you live in an area that receives little sunlight, you will have to provide other types of support for your plants, such as drainage cloth or compost to help them retain moisture.
Unlike most herbs, Hot Lips does not need to be planted in the flower garden. In fact, it does best when it is in the ground for the winter. You can harvest the leaves from the plant at any time, making this herb a perennial. The tender, green shoots easily attach to a stem and can be harvested just before they start to grow. It is important to keep the herb free from winds so it will grow back to its full beauty each spring.
As with most herbs, there are many different ways to use Hot Lips. You can chew the dried leaves, drink the tea, or even make tinctures and use them as a hot bath additive. A popular dish uses Hot Lips blended with lemon juice, mint, and coconut milk to wash the taste out of grilled chicken. This makes a great recipe for people who do not care for hot foods. Others enjoy cooking with the aromatic scent of the herb produces as it warms up on the tongue.