Salvia elegans - Pineapple Sage

Salvia elegans is grown for the fragrance of the leaves and they are often used in herbal tea. Salvia elegans grows to 4-5 feet in a warm or shaded location. Older shoots of the Pineapple Sage turn woody and unproductive and should be removed as the new shoots come on. The new growth is produced from underground runners. The plant will eventually form a rather large clump if there is ample water. Pineapple sage has been in cultivation since the 1870's under the name of Salvia rutilans. Salvia elegans is native to the mountains of central Mexico at elevations ranging from 6,000-9,000 feet. Pineapple Sage has performed well in protected locations with temperatures in the mid 20°'s F and died to the ground in exposed locations that were colder. Pineapple sage is a good choice for attracting hummingbirds to your garden. Several factors make Salvia elegans an excellent plant for hummingbirds, the long tubular red flowers, the long flowering season. And they has likely been a Hummingbird food source further south. Salvia elegans is an excellent choice for the hummingbird garden as well as the butterfly garden.