Culinary Ornamental Tea

Pineapple Sage

Salvia elegans

Aromatic sage with pineapple-scented leaves perfect for teas, desserts, and tropical-inspired dishes. The sweet, fruity aroma makes it a favorite for culinary experimentation.

Growing Guide All Varieties
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Plant Characteristics

Appearance

Pineapple sage features bright green, oval leaves with a slightly fuzzy texture. When crushed, the leaves release a sweet, pineapple-like aroma. The plant produces vibrant red tubular flowers in late summer to fall, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.

Growth Habit

This tender perennial grows 3-4 feet tall and wide, with an upright, bushy form. It's native to Mexico and Central America, making it less cold-hardy than other sage varieties. In colder climates, it's often grown as an annual.

Flavor Profile

The leaves have a sweet, fruity flavor reminiscent of pineapple, making them perfect for desserts, teas, and tropical-inspired dishes. The flavor is mild and pleasant, not overpowering like some herbs.

Growing Requirements

🌞 Light Requirements

Full sun to partial shade. Needs protection from intense afternoon sun.

💧 Water Needs

Medium. Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained.

🌱 Soil Type

Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter.

📏 Mature Size

3-4 feet tall and wide. Upright, bushy growth.

Culinary Uses

Pineapple sage is excellent for sweet and savory dishes, adding a tropical twist to traditional recipes. The leaves can be used fresh or dried.

Best Uses

  • Teas: Delicious herbal tea with fruity notes
  • Desserts: Fruit salads, sorbets, and baked goods
  • Beverages: Cocktails, lemonades, and smoothies
  • Savory dishes: Poultry, pork, and fish marinades
  • Garnishes: Beautiful and flavorful plate decoration

Ornamental Value

Pineapple sage is highly ornamental with its bright green foliage and vibrant red flowers. It's excellent for attracting pollinators and adding tropical flair to gardens.

Landscape Uses

  • Pollinator gardens: Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
  • Tropical gardens: Adds exotic appeal
  • Container gardens: Beautiful in large pots
  • Mixed borders: Excellent backdrop plant
  • Cut flowers: Long-lasting blooms for arrangements

Quick Facts

Hardiness Zone: 8-11
Bloom Time: Late Summer-Fall
Bloom Color: Red
Foliage Color: Bright Green
Plant Type: Tender Perennial
Attracts: Hummingbirds

Care Tips

  • • Protect from frost
  • • Keep soil consistently moist
  • • Pinch back for bushiness
  • • Fertilize monthly in growing season
  • • Harvest leaves regularly

Recipe Ideas

  • • Pineapple sage tea
  • • Tropical fruit salad
  • • Pineapple sage sorbet
  • • Grilled chicken marinade
  • • Summer cocktails

Ready to Grow Pineapple Sage?

Explore our growing guides and discover more sage varieties.

Growing Guides All Sage Varieties