A Gorgeous Fast-Growing Perennial Herb Deserves To Be In Your Cutting Garden

If you're searching for a stunning perennial herb for your cutting garden, look no further than pineapple sage (Salvia elegans). Native to the forest edges of the Sierra Madre del Sur in Mexico and Guatemala, this mint-family ornamental sage variety gets its common name from the sweet, pineapple-like scent and flavor released when its leaves are crushed. In addition to its unique fragrance, this herb is favored for its showy, cardinal-red blooms that appear in summer and fall. Even better, this fast-growing plant will reach its full size in a single season, so you won't have to wait long to enjoy its beauty.

Sometimes considered a sub-shrub, pineapple sage reaches 3 to 5 feet tall with a slightly smaller width. It fits beautifully into most landscapes, whether you want to add more color to borders or plant the perfect cottage garden. It's also a fantastic choice for a cutting garden, where its fragrant flower spikes and yellow-green leaves make it stand out in floral arrangements. As a bonus, both the foliage and flowers are edible. The petals taste somewhat fruity with a hint of mint, so they work well as a garnish or as an addition to salads. Pineapple sage will also keep your garden full of pollinators through fall, so expect to see hummingbirds and butterflies buzzing around the tubular blooms at a time when other nectar is scarce. Luckily, with its long blooming season, there will be plenty of flowers for you and wildlife to enjoy for months.

Although pineapple sage is a perennial herb, it's only hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10, and is often grown as an annual in zones 7 and below. Don't worry, this doesn't mean you can't enjoy growing it year-round; pineapple sage is easily grown indoors, so you can take container plants inside once the temperatures drop. This low-maintenance herb thrives in moist, well-drained soil in a sunny area of your garden. However, if you're in a region with hot, dry summers, it can benefit from some light afternoon shade. It's somewhat drought-tolerant once established, though it may need supplemental watering during long, dry periods to prevent leaf drop.

Typically, it's recommended for gardeners to purchase a small pineapple sage plant and plant it once the risk of frost has passed, though it's not impossible to grow it from seed. Although it's fast-growing, you'll still want to start seeds indoors a few months early so that it's well-developed once it's time to transplant outside. As the weather cools down in fall, you'll either want to bring it inside or let it die back and replant the following spring. Pineapple sage is easily propagated from stem cuttings, so you can regrow it year after year without needing to buy new plants. If overwintering inside, make sure it continues to get plenty of sunlight, so either place it in front of a sunny, south-facing window or supplement with grow lights.