This late-blooming, fast-growing shrub is a warm-zone perennial and part of the expansive mint family (Lamiaceae).
Its striking dark, bushy foliage works in beds or borders.
Pineapple sage grows well in large containers on patios.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Grown in pots it can be moved indoors to overwinter and enjoyed for a second season the following year.
Light
Pineapple sage is a plant that needs plenty of sun to thrive.
Direct, full morning sun with a little light afternoon shade produces great tasting foliage.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Soil
The plant adapts to a variety of soils.
Fertile, consistently moist soils high inorganic matterproduce the best results.
Pineapple sage won’t do well in soggy conditions, so a free-draining medium is crucial.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Even moisture throughout the growing season ensures healthy foliage and prevents leaf drop.
Temperature and Humidity
Hard frosts cause pineapple sage to die back to the ground.
Generally, it tolerates temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Amending poorer soil with organic matter or compost in the spring should be enough to ensure vigorous growth.
Propagating Pineapple Sage
Propagation is easiest using tip cuttings, or divisions.
Don’t put your rooted cutting outside until the soil is suitably warm in late spring.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Any late frosts will kill off tender new plants.
Seeds germinate within a fortnight.
The plant has a moderate to rapid growth rate, depending on the growing conditions.
Seeds germinate within two weeks and plants can reach their full height in one growing season.
Greenhouse growing is more common than growing them as a houseplant.
Some people also use the dry leaves in potpourri.
Be aware that the plant looks similar to Texas sage (Salvia coccinea), which are not edible.
However, you should be able to tell the difference when you crush the leaves.
The distinct fruity fragrance of the pineapple sage is noticeable.
