Common name: Pineapple Sage
Scientific name: Salvia elegans (rutilans)
Uses: Decorative, culinary.Attractive flowers. Use in herbal
wreaths & nosegays. For culinary use. Pineapple flavored leaves. For herbal
butter. Use for drying (leaves are highly aromatic & pungent). Use for
fragrance and pot-pourris. Use in containers. Popular with
History: From the Latin
Description: Square stems which become woody after the 2nd year. Leaves are in pairs and are more pointed than other sages. The leaves are also a lighter green with reddish tips and have pronounced veining underneath. The deep-throated flowers are two-lipped. The fruit is a tiny dark brown, ovoid seed. Leaves have a slight pineapple flavor.
Plant type: Perennial
Hardiness: Hardy evergreen shrub; hardiness zone 4-8.
Height: 12-30 inches
Width: 2 feet
Soil: fairly rich, light, dry, well drained alkaline soil
Disease: Slugs, spider mites, spittle bug; root rot and wilt.
Cultivation: Sow in late spring. Thin to 20 inches when seedlings reach a height of 3 inches. Prune heavily in the spring to prevent seed set. Cut back after flowering and replace woody plants every 4-5 years.
Companion planting: Sage in general are said to improve the growth of carrots, marjoram, strawberry and tomato.
Propagation: Cuttings, layering, division or by seed.
Flowering period: Late summer