Common Name: |
Pineapple Sage |
Botanical Name: |
Salvia elegans |
Genus: |
Salvia |
Family: |
Lamiaceae |
Native Location: |
Mexico and Guatemala |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained to dry, neutral to alkaline soil in sun. Salvia miltiorhiza needs moist, sandy soil; tolerates partial shade. Most sages dislike damp conditions and low light in winter; they are often hardier in dry, sunny positions. Sages grown in a greenhouse are prone to spider mite, aphids, and whitefly. Many sages become woody and sparse with age and should be replaced every 4-7 years. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring (species and annuals only); by basal or softwood cuttings in spring and summer; by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer and early autumn; by division (S. miltiorhiza). Salvia lyrata, S. sclarea and S. viridis may self-sow freely. Salvia greggii is grown as an annual in areas with cold winters. |
Harvest: |
Leaves are picked for immediate use, or before flowers open for oil distillation and drying; dried leaves are used in infusions, liquid extracts, and tinctures. Roots are lifted in late autumn and winter, and dried for pills, decoctions, and tinctures. Ripe seeds are dried for use in macerations, or pressed for oil. Flower spikes are cut in summer. Galls (S. pomifera) are picked in spring, and candied. |
Height: |
2m (6ft) |
Width: |
1.2m (4ft) |
Variations: |
Frieda Dixon (Peach Pineapple Sage) Has salmon-pink flowers in autumn. |
Scarlet Pineapple syn. S. rutilans Has hairier stems, a stronger pineapple scent, and larger flowers, to 3.5cm (1½in) long. Height: 90cm (36in) Width: 60cm (24in) |
Tangerine Has more rounded leaves that have a light citrus scent. |
|
Hardiness: |
Min. 5°C (41°F) |
Parts Used: |
Leaves. |
Properties: |
An aromatic herb with pineapple scent.. |
Culinary Uses: |
Sprigs are added to cold drinks and fruits salads. Fresh or dried leaves are used to make tea, or to give a sage-like aroma to pork dishes. |
Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 353-355 |