Pineapple sage is a tender herbaceous perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae) best grown as an annual in colder regions. It is native to Mexico and Guatemala and grows 3 to 5 feet high and 3 to 4 feet wide. The species epithet is Latin for “elegant” and is a commentary on the beautiful flowers of this species. Pineapple sage will grow best in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Although somewhat drought tolerant, leaves will begin to drop with insufficient moisture. Although the plant will die down to the ground with the first frost, it will grow back the next spring in mild climates. It is not recommended to grow pineapple sage from seed unless started indoors and set out as a well developed plant. Stem cutting is another propagation strategy. Pineapple sage is a hummingbird favorite, blooming in late summer to early fall when food sources may be less abundant. The edible flowers have a sweet, fruity flavor with a hint of mint and spice. The leaves smell like pineapple when crushed. This species might be confused with scarlet sage ( Salvia coccinea ) , but scarlet sage lacks the fruity fragrance in its leaves and is not generally regarded as edible. Pineapple sage may be used in borders of pollinator, cottage, herb, and cutting gardens. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Salvia .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil pH
Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Dry
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in. | Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Ovate
Leaf margin
Serrate
Leaf feel
Velvety
Leaf value
Fragrant
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
The opposite, ovate leaves are 2 to 4 inches long, with serrated edges. Leaf surfaces are covered with short, fine hairs.
Flower color
Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Edible; Fragrant; Good Cut; Showy
Flower form
Spike
Flower shape
Lipped; Tubular
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
The flowers are produced in whorls of 4 blossoms, opening sequentially up the flower spike. Each flower is 1 to 2 inches long and has a hood-like upper lip and a spreading lower lip.
Bloom time
Fall; Summer
Fruit type
Schizocarp
Fruit detail
Schizocarp has 4 chambers with 1 nutlet each
Stem detail
It has an open-branched clump of erect, square stems, Tall stems may break off in windy conditions.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Mexico, Guatemala
Wildlife value
Flowers attract hummingbirds.
Attracts
Butterflies; Hummingbirds
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Schizocarp
Edibility
It is used in teas, potpourri, cream cheese, jams, and jellies.