Salvia elegans, pineapple sage, myrtle plant or donkey grass. All of these names are used to refer to the same plant. In reality, it is more of a perennial herb, which is very popular for its bright red flowers and its particular pineapple smell.
Don't you know this variety? Well get ready to discover everything essential about its morphology and the care it needs. This way, if you decide to have it in your garden, you will make it as beautiful as possible.
Where does salvia elegans come from?
This type of sage is native to the area of Mexico and Central America. It usually thrives in mountainous habitats, with well-drained soils and average humidity conditions. It is also common to see it in wooded areas, near streams.
The variety of climatic conditions and altitude that occur in its place of origin has led sage to evolve in perfectly adapted varieties to different locations and climates.
Characteristics that identify salvia elegans
This perennial herbaceous plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family. And, in addition to having a high aesthetic value, in its place of origin It is highly appreciated for its culinary and medicinal uses. And both its leaves and flowers are used to flavor different dishes and drinks.
Regarding its medicinal properties, within traditional medicine Sage has always been recognized for its calming and antidepressant properties.
Another factor to take into account is that pineapple sage is highly attractive to pollinating insects such as butterflies. Thus contributing to promoting biodiversity within the gardens.
At a morphological level, we can highlight the following:
- Leaves. The leaves of this sage are especially distinctive. Yeswith oval and elongated leaves, with a slightly toothed edge, in dark green. When crushed or rubbed together, they give off an unmistakable pineapple smell.
- Flowers. The flowers of salvia elegans are one of its most easily identifiable features. They are striking red flowers, which offer a strong contrast with the green of the leaves. Its tubular shape makes the work of pollinators easier. Flowering occurs from summer to autumn. Which adds a touch of color to the garden, just at the moment when the flowers of other plants begin to wither.
- Size. This plant has a moderate size, and can reach between 60 and 90 centimeters in height. It is a plant with relatively rapid growth, being able to reach its maximum length in just one growing season. Therefore, it is a good choice to fill those spaces in the garden that are empty and with which we don't really know what to do.
How to care for salvia elegans?
It is a fairly resistant plant, and with some simple care you can make it grow quickly, strong and healthy.
Light conditions
For optimal growth and flowering, salvia elegans is best in full sun, although it can also cope well with partial shade. However, in these cases we can see that its growth is slower and that it does not have as many flowers as it could produce.
Temperature and humidity requirements
This is a heat-loving plant, so it thrives best in places with warm climates. As we said before, you should not be afraid to expose it to full sun, because this is not bad for her.
If you live in a place with very cold winters, it is recommended that you plant it in a pot. This way, when the cold comes, pYou can move it to a place where it is more protected.
Even if you have it planted in the ground, try to give it some protection from the wind, since Its stems are not very strong and can break.
As far as humidity is concerned, during the dry months it is good to provide a little extra humidity. Spraying occasionally with a spray bottle, or placing a well with some pebbles and a little water near it.
How to water salvia elegans
This is a plant that can resist periods of drought to a certain extent, but, if possible, apply moderate watering, as this will contribute to better growth. As usually happens with other plants, after planting it is advisable to Water a little more frequently, until you see that it has settled on the ground.
For irrigation, add water directly to the substrate, but without waterlogging. In summer it is better to water early in the morning or late in the afternoon, to reduce the evaporation capacity of water so that the soil can absorb moisture more effectively.
Type of Soil Suitable for Pineapple Sage
Despite being a very adaptable plant, the most suitable substrate for it is one that has good drainage and aeration properties. Although can live in acidic or alkaline soils, It is preferable that the pH be slightly alkaline, between 6.0 and 7.5.
The recommended mixture for the planting medium of this variety would be that formed by substrate, compost, perlite or coarse sand. The result is a soil with good drainage capacity and very light.
Also, keep in mind that you do not need to plant it directly in the ground. This sage can live perfectly in a pot, as long as it fits your size.
How to reproduce salvia elegans?
The easiest way to obtain a new plant is through a cutting. For it, Cut a healthy stem just below the node and remove the leaves from the bottom half.
Soak that stem in water for a few days. You can add rooting hormone to make it root faster. Then you can plant it in a pot and give it the care that we have seen.either. But be careful not to expose the cutting to direct sunlight until it has taken root.
As you have seen, salvia elegans is an original, beautiful, resistant plant, and very easy to care for. You can not ask for more!