Plant in full sun to light shade where it thrives in rich soils receiving regular water. Though somewhat drought tolerant the leaves will begin to drop off if given too little water and is best if regularly irrigated. Will die down to the ground with the first frost but grow back in spring in our mild climate and is considered cold hardy to 25° F degrees. Great for attracting hummingbirds and dried leaves can be used in teas or potpourris or for treating nausea and indigestion. Fresh leaves and flowers can be used in salads, jams, jellies, drinks, desserts, or even in cream cheese!

Salvia elegans is native to central Mexico and into the Sierra Madre del Sur where it grows at elevations between 6,000 to 9,000 feet. The name Salvia comes from the name used by Pliny for a plant in the genus and comes from the Latin word 'salvere' meaning "to save" in reference to the long-believed healing properties of several Sage species and the specific epithet means "elegant". Pineapple Sage was first introduced into horticulture around 1870 and we grew this plant from 1997 until 2005. 

The information about Salvia elegans displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant.