Pineapple Sage

salvia elegans

Also known as: ["Honey Melon Sage","Tangerine Sage"]

Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Salvia Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A deciduous perennial herb native to Central America, known for its vibrant red flowers and pineapple-scented foliage.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Salvia
Botanical Name: Salvia elegans

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a sunny spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Fragrance Lovers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days in dry climates
  • Drainage: Fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 2–3 months during growing season
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or full sun (6–8 hours/day); adjust for intense summer sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from harsh midday sun; place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering), root rot, or stunted growth (poor soil conditions)

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter

pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes

Temperature

Prefers 60–80°F (15–27°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm conditions.

Protect from frost; avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain consistent warmth for best growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Fertilize in spring/summer only; dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; stop feeding in fall/winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm (70–75°F), indirect light

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for faster rooting

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node

Pruning Plan

Encourage bushier growth and more blooms; remove spent flowers and leggy stems

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves

Checklist

Use clean tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/damaged stems; shape for airflow

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before new growth begins

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter)

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; promotes fresh soil and growth

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water after repotting

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold; browning leaf edges in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; cover with a frost cloth in cold snaps; ensure good air circulation.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Salvia elegans may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's overall health and photosynthetic efficiency.

Wilting in Salvia elegans is often a sign of water stress, either due to under or overwatering, which can lead to reduced growth and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Salvia elegans may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential defoliation if severe.

Root or stem rot in Salvia elegans is typically caused by overwatering or poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential loss of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Salvia elegans is not considered toxic to cats. It is not known to cause adverse effects when ingested or handled by cats.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

Safe for cats to be around. No special precautions are required.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Salvia elegans is not considered toxic to dogs. It is not known to cause adverse effects when ingested or handled by dogs.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

Safe for dogs to be around. No special precautions are required.
Humans
Non-toxic

Salvia elegans, commonly known as pineapple sage, is not considered toxic to humans. It is often used in culinary applications for its pineapple-like fragrance and flavor.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

Safe for culinary use and handling. No special precautions are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Pineapple Sage edible?

A: Yes, the leaves and flowers are edible and can be used in teas, salads, and desserts.

Q: Does Pineapple Sage attract pollinators?

A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Q: How should I prune Pineapple Sage?

A: Prune lightly after flowering to encourage bushier growth and remove any dead or damaged stems.

Quick Reference
Family: Lamiaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","fragrance lovers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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