Salvia elegans


Common name(s): pineapple sage


Description: perennial; native to Mexico. Leaves possess a powerful pineapple aroma and make for a pleasant addition to fruit salads and iced teas. Scarlet red flower spikes in late summer keep the hummingbirds coming back for more.


Height: to 4 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.


Position: full sun and well-draining soil


Uses: culinary, medicine, ornamental, to attract hummingbirds


Winter Hardiness: to 15 F and below


Distribution: Mexico

Care: prune to 6 inches above the ground in spring (after all danger of last frost) to rejuvenate foliage. Adding a 1-2 inch layer of gravel around the base increases survivability and prevents crown rot. Cutting back spent blooms in summer will encourage more blooming but is not necessary. No fertilizer.