Grandstand Red Pink Lipstick Flowering Sage

Grandstand Red Pink Lipstick Flowering Sage (Salvia splendens 'Grandstand Red Pink Lipstick') is a compact, bushy salvia of 45cm to 60cm high and 30cm to 40cm wide. Scarlet flower spikes carry distinctive pink tubular flowers that pop out of the red outer petals, from spring right through to autumn. It brings bold, warm colour to sunny borders and pots.

Why you'll love it

• Red with a pink twist. Pink tubular flowers appear from scarlet outer petals, so each spike carries two bright tones.
• Months of colour. Flowers appear from spring right through to autumn, long after many bedding plants have faded.
• A tidy, dense habit. The bushy foliage stays neat at 45cm to 60cm, which makes it easy to fit into small beds and containers.
• A magnet for pollinators. Bees and butterflies are drawn to the flowers all season.
• Fast growing. It puts on colour quickly after planting, which makes it a good filler for new borders.

Where it works best

Hot colour borders. Plant 30cm apart in drifts alongside orange, yellow and deep purple companions for a vibrant bed that carries through summer.

Pots and tubs. Its compact habit suits large pots, with a light, free draining mix and regular summer feeding.

Cottage and wildlife gardens. Tuck it between herbs, roses and perennials, where it adds long season colour and a steady supply of nectar.

Growing Grandstand Red Pink Lipstick Flowering Sage in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, in light, free draining soil. It tolerates overnight frost once established, but it should be protected from hard frost. It thrives in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens; in cold districts, mulch well in winter or treat it as a summer plant.

Soil. Light, free draining soil is best. Improve poor or heavy ground with compost before planting.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. Fertilise in spring with a slow release fertiliser, then boost it with a seaweed solution during the summer heat.

Pruning. Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth and more flowers.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Grandstand Red Pink Lipstick Flowering Sage as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tubes are an economical way to plant a bed or a row of pots. Expect a small, leafy plant with flowering still to come, and allow it a little warm weather to bulk up and begin sending up spikes.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Explore more salvias
• Flowering plants for colour
• How to add colour to your backyard with plants
• Plants for pots and containers

Common questions

Is it frost tolerant?

It tolerates overnight frost once established, but it needs protection from hard frost. Mulch the roots in winter to keep the soil warm, and shelter young plants.

Do I need to deadhead it?

Cut it back after flowering to encourage fresh growth and more flowers. A feed in spring and a seaweed boost in the summer heat help it perform.

Will bees and butterflies visit?

Yes. The tubular flowers draw bees and butterflies throughout the long flowering season.