Salvia elegans (Pineapple Sage)

One of the most popular salvias, Salvia elegans (Pineapple Sage) is a perennial subshrub of open habit with erect, square stems covered with strongly pineapple-scented, bright green, ovate leaves. The leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm), are covered with short, fine hairs, giving them a fuzzy appearance. Blooming in late summer until the first frosts, a profusion of showy tubular scarlet-red flowers, 1-2 in. long (2-5 cm), appear on long graceful spikes. They are a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. In areas where there are no frosts, Pineapple Sage may continue blooming until spring. Prized for its vibrant scented foliage and bright floral display, Pineapple Sage is an excellent plant for containers or border plantings. Its leaves and flowers are edible and can be used as a garnish or in salads or desserts. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, Pineapple Sage dies back to the ground after a hard frost and in mild enough climates, will grow back the following spring.

• Tender, this plant is hardy to zone 8 and is generally treated as an annual in cooler areas.
• Grows up to 4-5 feet tall and wide (120-150 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Tolerates partial shade in hot, dry climates. Although somewhat drought tolerant, leaves will begin to drop with insufficient moisture. Protect from cold, drying winds.
• A lovely choice for beds and borders, city gardens, coastal gardens, cottage gardens, Mediterranean gardens, and containers.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs, snails and capsid bug. Deer resistant.
• Pinched when young to produce more branching for bushy growth. Cut back overwintered plants in spring.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn with bottom heat.
• Native to the edges of pine and oak forests in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains of Mexico and Guatemala.