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 displayed on this page about Salvia elegans is based on our research conducted about this plant from books in our nursery library as well as from information that is provided by reliable online resources. We also have included our own observations made about it as it grew in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant performed in the containers when we had them in our nursery field. We also include comments received from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information aiding others to better grow it.