Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) is a plant that is sure to catch your attention with its vibrant colors and fruity aroma. Although the aromatic leaves are what it’s most well-known for, the flowers are also edible and can be used as garnishes or made into a delicious herbal tea. Not only does this plant look beautiful with its chartreuse green leaves and bright red flowers, but it also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. Whether you’re interested in growing an ornamental, edible, or pollinator garden, make sure to include pineapple sage in your landscaping plan.
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Pineapple sage is a delightful herb that thrives in warm weather and is indigenous to Mexico and Guatemala. Even though it grows as a perennial in USDA Zones 8-11, it can still be grown as an annual or overwintered in pots indoors for colder areas. Pineapple Sage, also known as Hierba del Burro, Mirto, and Mirto de Flor Roja, is a shrub that reaches heights of 18 to 60 inches and spreads out to 2 to 3 feet wide. It produces vivid red flowers and has blue/green and chartreuse/gold foliage. Pineapple sage prefers partial sunlight or full sun and is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. It can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
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If you’re wondering where to plant your pineapple sage, there are a few things to keep in mind. This herb can thrive in both gardens and containers, but it requires plenty of bright sunlight to grow properly. For optimal growth, it is best to choose a location with full sun exposure, although some partial afternoon shade may be beneficial in hotter climates. It’s important to note that pineapple sage does not do well in overly moist soil, so make sure to plant it in a well-draining area.
One of the great things about pineapple sage is its versatility. It can be a perfect addition to herb gardens, pollinator gardens, or ornamental beds. Consider planting it alongside other herbs or pollinator-friendly plants like coneflower, borage, or calendula. Pineapple sage is particularly appealing to pollinators, so it can be a beneficial companion plant for vegetable gardens too. By increasing pollinator activity, you may even boost your harvest yields!
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In this article, we will discuss how to plant and care for pineapple sage. Pineapple sage is usually grown from nursery starts, which can be planted in spring after the frost danger has passed. When planting, dig a hole as deep as the plant pot and two to three times as wide, then backfill with soil. Amend the soil with aged manure or compost before planting for better results. Alternatively, you can grow pineapple sage transplants from seeds, but they are hard to come by. Pineapple sage grows best in rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter and requires consistently moist soil. It needs at least 6-8 hours of bright sun daily but can tolerate some light afternoon shade in hot weather. Pineapple sage is a late bloomer, producing red flowers in late summer to autumn. Pruning is optional, but it does encourage the plant to produce new leaves. Pineapple sage can be propagated via seed or stem cuttings, and there are several cultivars available, including ‘Honey Melon,’ ‘Tangerine,’ and ‘Golden Delicious.’ Pineapple sage pairs well with other pollinator-friendly plants like coneflower, borage, and calendula.