Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans) | Fragrant Edible Flowering Sage

Pineapple Sage

1 Gallon

$19.90

1/2

Pineapple Sage

Salvia elegans

A tender perennial with intensely fragrant pineapple-scented leaves and brilliant red flowers that hummingbirds love.

$19.90

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Salvia elegans is a tender, herbaceous perennial (often grown as an annual in colder climates) prized for its stunning, brilliant red flowers and its unmistakable, sweet pineapple fragrance. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, this fast-growing, bushy shrub features bright, light green, heart-shaped, deeply veined leaves that release a strong, delightful, sweet pineapple scent when crushed. From late summer through fall, and often until the first frost, it produces an abundance of upright, branching stems bearing showy, tubular, two-lipped, brilliant red flowers in loose whorls, creating a spectacular late-season display. The nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Both the flowers and leaves are edible and are widely used in herbal teas, salads, desserts, cocktails, and culinary garnishes, as well as for their traditional medicinal properties. With its excellent heat and humidity tolerance, and its long bloom season, it is an outstanding choice for sunny borders, containers, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, and herb gardens. Note: It is not frost-hardy and will die back at freezing temperatures.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Bright, light green, heart-shaped, deeply veined leaves with strong, sweet pineapple fragrance; upright, branching stems with showy, tubular, two-lipped, brilliant red flowers in loose whorls, blooming from late summer through fall .
Mature Height: 24-48 inches (2-4 ft)
Mature Spread: 24-48 inches (2-4 ft)
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zones: USDA 8-11 ; Sunset 5-24
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in full sun)
Core Benefits: Intense sweet pineapple-scented foliage, brilliant red flowers, edible leaves and flowers (tea, desserts, cocktails), long late-season bloom, attracts hummingbirds.
Best Uses: Sunny borders, containers, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, herb gardens, culinary gardens, cutting gardens.

Q: How strong is the pineapple scent?
A: Very strong and unmistakable. The bright green, heart-shaped leaves release a sweet, fresh, pineapple fragrance when crushed or brushed, which is the plant's most distinctive feature.

Q: Is Pineapple Sage edible?
A: Yes, both the leaves and flowers are edible. They are used fresh or dried in herbal teas (delicious hot or iced), fruit salads, desserts, cocktails, and as a fragrant garnish. The flavor is fruity and mildly herbal.

Q: How long does it bloom?
A: It is a late-season bloomer, flowering from late summer through fall until the first hard frost. This timing provides essential late-season nectar for migrating hummingbirds.

Q: Is it a perennial or an annual?
A: It is a tender perennial, reliably hardy in USDA zones 8-11. In colder zones (USDA 7 and below), it is grown as a fast-growing annual or can be overwintered indoors in a bright, cool location.

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: For the most abundant flowers and best growth, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). It will tolerate partial shade but may become leggy and flower less.

Q: Does it attract hummingbirds?
A: Yes, the brilliant red, tubular flowers are a top favorite of hummingbirds, as well as bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, especially in late summer and fall.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: It prefers regular, consistent moisture. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. It is not as drought-tolerant as many other sages but has good tolerance for heat and humidity.