Pineapple sage is a flashy herb thats a must-have in pollinator gardens and herb beds.
Denny Schrock
Pineapple sage is a warm-weather-loving plant thats native to Mexico and Guatemala.
Pineapple Sage Care Tips
Pineapple sage is a late bloomer, but its worth the wait.
Credit:Denny Schrock
However, pineapple sage can also tolerate some light afternoon shade, particularly in the hottest weather.
The plant grows well in average humidity of 40-50 percent.
Fill it with rich, well-draining soil and add pineapple sage transplants.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Water it well and place it in a location that receives full sun.
It will need to be watered more frequently than in-ground pineapple sage plants.
Repotting won’t be necessary when it is grown as an annual in containers outdoors.
Credit:Denny Schrock
The plants will die, and the container can be replanted the following spring.
Mealybugsare a variety of scale insect that feed on plant sap and can weaken plants over time.
Like mealybugs,aphidsalso feed on plant sap, but they are a bit easier to treat.
Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
No rooting hormone is needed.
After the plant roots, wait until the weather is warm to move it to the garden.
Pineapple sage won’t tolerate cold weather.
Seeds:After the pineapple sage plant flowers, wait for the seed pod to dry on the plant.
Rub the seed pod between your fingers to release the seed.
Types of Pineapple Sage
Careful plant breeding has developed several unique cultivars of pineapple sage.
It is an excellent choice for growing indoors.
It grows 2 feet tall and wide.
Tangerine
Salvia elegansTangerine is another early bloomer… but with a twist.
This easy-to-grow plant has darker flowers and a tangerine-like scent thats truly unique!
It spreads by runners into a dense clump.
Cutting back old growth keeps this plant in flower for months.
It grows to 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide.
‘Golden Delicious’
Salvia elegansGolden Delicious is grown primarily for its bright chartreuse-yellow leaves.
It is an eye-catching addition to any garden bed or container.
It grows 34 feet tall and spreads to 3 feet.
Pineapple Sage Companion Plants
Pineapple sage pairs well with other pollinator-friendly plants.
Coneflower
Pollinators love these pretty North American native perennials, which have seen a resurgence in popularity.
Coneflowers bloom from summer to fall, and they shine in a variety of garden configs.
Borage
Sparkling sky-blue blooms dance atopannual borage.
It faithfully comes back from seed each year, quickly filling in empty spaces.
Calendula
Calendulas, also called pot marigolds, are at home in a cottage or herb garden.
In regions with moderate summers, expect calendula varieties to bloom even more abundantly in fall.
Add the edible blossoms to soups and salads as a colorful garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
While pineapple sage may smell like pineapple, it doesnt taste like it.
Instead, pineapple sage has a distinct, fruity flavor with hints of mint and spice.
Standardculinary sageis more cold-tolerant than pineapple sage and has thicker, denser leaves.
In contrast, pineapple sage is an exotic-looking plant with vibrant red flowers and a tropical scent and flavor.
