Botanical profile

Pineapple sage

Latin name
Salvia elegans
Common name
Pineapple sage
Type
Perennial
Family
Lamiaceae

Pineapple sage is a very decorative aromatic plant, appreciated for its fragrant green foliage that releases a fruity, pineapple-like scent when crushed. Its generous habit and vibrant red blooms late in the season add a lot of color to pots, herb gardens, edible beds, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. It is perfect for adding an exotic, fragrant, and very bright touch to sunny spaces.

Easy to grow during the warm season, pineapple sage prefers a sunny to slightly semi-shady location, in fertile, fresh, and well-drained soil. It appreciates regular watering to maintain tender, aromatic, and pleasant foliage for harvesting, especially when grown in pots. As it is not very hardy in our climate, it is generally grown as an annual or brought indoors before the cold, in a very bright spot.

Very versatile, pineapple sage can be used to flavor infusions, iced teas, lemonades, desserts, fruit salads, light sauces, and summer recipes. Its red flowers are also very popular with hummingbirds and pollinators, making it a plant that is both gourmet, decorative, and ecological. It is an excellent herb for gardeners looking for an original, fragrant, and spectacular plant in containers or in the garden.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Aromatic foliage with a pineapple scent and very attractive red flowers for hummingbirds
Container, balcony, patio, herb garden, herbal tea, hummingbird garden
Container growing
Excellent potted plant, recommended for cold climates
Seasonal care
Pinch regularly to maintain a compact habit; harvest leaves as needed; bring indoors before the cold
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 4 and above
Exposure
Full sun
Watering
Regular; keep the soil slightly moist without waterlogging it
Humidity
Average humidity; prefers cool but well-drained soil
Fertilization
Light and regular fertilization in pots during growth
Soil type
Fertile, light, fresh, and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
41 °F
Propagation method
Cuttings or seedlings
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Late Summer to Autumn
Flower color
Red
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Persistent in hot climates
Shape
Upright, bushy, and branched habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
60 to 120 cm (24 to 48 inches)
Width
60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches)
Growth rate
Rapid growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Basil, lemon balm, lemon verbena, calendula
Spacing
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
Harvest period
Leaves from spring to autumn
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

Hummingbirds
Flowers that attract hummingbirds

Hummingbirds

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.