Pineapple Sage

Named for the pineapple scent of its leaves when crushed, pineapple sage, or salvia elegans, is native to Mexico and Guatemala. This ‘elegant’ sage plant is less hardy than some salvias, but you can keep it going by cutting back and bringing it inside for the winter, or by taking cuttings before the frost. This shrubby plant has oval, soft-hairy, light-green leaves and scarlet, two-lipped flowers on up to 8-inch spikes. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making them a welcome addition to any garden. The flowers can be added to fruity cocktails and salads. Leaves make delicious teas and salad ingredients fresh, and when dried, a fragrant component in potpourri.

Sun Exposure

• Full sun

Soil pH

• 6.0 to 8.0

Hardiness Zones

• 8 to 11

Spacing

• Grows 3 to 4 feet in height
• Spread of 3 to 4 feet

Moisture

• Once established it only requires occasional watering

Notes

• Pineapple scent and taste
• Scarlet flowers about 1 inch long on 8-inch spikes
• Oval, soft-hairy leaves
• Great for salads, drinks, teas, and potpourri

Have you tried growing pineapple sage? How do you use it? Please tell us your experiences growing pineapple sage.