In our herb garden, the pineapple sage is looking absolutely stunning right now. In full bloom, the plant is a buzz with visiting bees and hummingbirds. A great source of nectar this time of year, the flowers offer much needed food to our visiting wildlife as the warm season starts to close.
As attractive as the flowers are, their beauty is not the only reason to plant pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) in your garden. The fragrance of the leaves, as the name suggests, smell like pineapple. The leaves can be used to make tea, while the beautiful flowers can be added to all sorts of dishes from salsas to smoothies where they impart a slightly sweet flavor reminiscent of pineapple and honeysuckle.
In locations free from heavy frost, Salvia elegans is easy to grow year round. The plant prefers a sunny location (but will tolerate a little shade) and nice loamy soil. Not quite as drought tolerant as some of its relatives, it does require average water to do its best (Here at the nursery it seems quite content in the herb planter alongside plantings of marjoram, oregano, borage and mustard.) In an average season it can grow about 4 feet tall and as wide. During a particularly cold winter, it can die down to the ground only to reemerge from the roots come spring. In locations that frost heavily, the quick growth of the herb makes it valuable to grow as an annual or a container plant that can be taken indoors during the winter.
A beautiful addition to a flower border or herb garden, the plant is most thoroughly enjoyed if planted near a walkway where garden visitors will brush against its leaves and release its fresh pineapple fragrance.
If you already have some Salvia elegans on hand try tossing some lovely red flowers into your salad or use the leaves to make a lovely tea.
Pineapple Sage Tea
1 quart water
1/2-3/4 cup packed fresh pineapple sage leaves
honey or sugar
1 lemon
Bring water to boil and pour over leaves. Let steep for approximately 20 minutes. Stir in juice of one lemon and sweeten to taste. Strain into mugs and serve.
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