Pineapple Sage Salvia elegans 'Tangerine'
ABOUT
The Tangerine Sage, commonly called "Tangerine", features a striking appearance characterized by its vibrant green foliage and showy red flowers. The leaves are soft and triangular with a highly textured surface and are known for their unique, tangy citrus scent reminiscent of tangerines when bruised or crushed. The velvety texture of the leaves makes them quite distinctive to the touch. Come the blooming season, Tangerine Sage becomes particularly ornamental with its brilliant, tubular flowers that boast a bold red hue, providing a striking contrast to its lush green foliage. These flowers grow in whorls, creating eye-catching clusters that rise above the foliage on slender, somewhat square-shaped stems. They are a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies, which are often attracted to the nectar-rich blossoms. In general, the Tangerine Sage presents a bushy and vibrant presence in the garden, its citrus-scented leaves and vivacious red blooms contributing both olfactory and visual delights. It carries an impression of warmth and abundance, making it a favored choice for gardeners seeking to add both fragrance and color to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Pineapple Sage, Tangerine Sage
Common names
Salvia elegans 'Tangerine'.
ToxicityTo humans
Tangerine Sage is not known to be toxic to humans. In fact, it is often used in cooking and as an herbal remedy. However, consuming any plant in excessive amounts may have adverse effects, and individuals could have allergies or reactions to even non-toxic plants, so care should be taken.
To pets
Tangerine Sage is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe for cats and dogs, and is not listed on toxic plant lists provided by organizations like the ASPCA. As with humans, pets can have individual allergies or sensitivities, so it is always a good idea to watch for any signs of distress after ingestion and consult a veterinarian if any health concerns arise.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
3 feet (91 cm)
Spread
2 feet (61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Tangerine Sage draws beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are key players in the pollination of many plants.
- Aromatic Foliage: The leaves of Tangerine Sage emit a pleasant citrus scent when brushed or crushed, which can add a sensory appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Culinary Uses: The leaves have a sweet-tangy flavor and can be used in teas, desserts, and other culinary creations.
- Ornamental Value: With its bright green foliage and vibrant red flowers, it adds aesthetic appeal to garden beds and borders.
- Drought Tolerance: Tangerine Sage is relatively drought-resistant once established, making it a good choice for water-wise gardens.
- Easy to Grow: It's a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of soil types, requiring minimal care.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms in late summer to fall, providing color and interest during a time when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Herbal Uses: The leaves are used in traditional herb gardens and can be harvested for various non-medical home uses.
- Companion Planting: Tangerine Sage can be planted alongside vegetables and other herbs as it may help deter certain pests with its strong fragrance.
- Hummingbird Attractant: Its tubular flowers are a natural magnet for hummingbirds, adding an extra layer of liveliness to the garden.
Medical Properties- Anti-anxiety effects: Salvia elegans, commonly known as Pineapple Sage, has been traditionally used for its calming properties which might help to alleviate anxiety.
- Antioxidant activity: The leaves of the Pineapple Sage plant contains compounds that exhibit antioxidant properties which can help in protecting the body from oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Pineapple Sage may have anti-inflammatory effects which can be beneficial in reducing inflammation and associated pain in certain conditions.
- Gastrointestinal relief: It is sometimes used to aid digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating and indigestion.
- Cognitive enhancement: There is some evidence to suggest that the plant might improve memory and cognitive function, potentially due to its antioxidant content.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary Garnish: The bright flowers of the Pineapple sage can be used to add a splash of color and a hint of citrus flavor to desserts and cocktails.
- Attracting Wildlife: Pineapple sage is known for attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, making it an excellent choice for an eco-friendly garden.
- Floral Arrangements: The red blooms and fragrant leaves can be used in bouquets or floral displays, contributing both color and a pleasant aroma.
- Companion Planting: Pineapple sage can be planted alongside vegetables like tomatoes and cabbage to help deter pests with its strong scent.
- Herbal Vinegars: The leaves can be infused in vinegar to create a fruity, tangy flavor ideal for salad dressings or marinades.
- Scented Bedding Material: Dried leaves can be used in sachets or as a component in potpourri to freshen up linen closets and drawers.
- Creative Projects: The leaves and flowers can be used in crafting, such as making natural dyes or in the creation of botanical paper.
- Beverage Flavoring: Fresh or dried leaves can be steeped to make a refreshing herbal tea or used to flavor cocktails with their distinctive citrusy note.
- Education and Research: Pineapple sage can be used as a model plant in schools or research projects to study pollination, plant growth, and ecology.
- Aromatherapy: The soothing scent of Pineapple sage is sometimes used in aromatherapy for relaxation and to help reduce stress.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tangerine Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tangerine Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wisdom and Longevity - Salvia comes from the Latin word "salvere," which means "to save" or "to heal," reflecting a long-standing association with wisdom and longevity based on the plant's historical use in medicine and healing practices.
- Healing - As a member of the sage family, this plant is often associated with various healing properties, both physical and spiritual, representing the power of nature in providing remedies and comfort.
- Protection - Many cultures consider sage plants like Tangerine Sage as symbols of protection that ward off evil and provide a safeguard against negative energies.
- Sacredness - Due to its purifying properties, it is often linked with sacredness, sanctity, and the purification of spaces which is common in rituals and spiritual cleansing practices.
- Eternal Life - From ancient myths to modern interpretations, sage is sometimes seen as a representation of immortality and the quest for eternal life, as it has been used in various potions and elixirs reputed to extend lifespan.
WaterTangerine Sage should be watered deeply once the top inch of soil becomes dry, which typically equates to watering approximately every week during the active growing season. Gradually reduce watering during the fall and winter when the plant's growth slows down. When watering, aim to provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering session for an established plant in the garden to ensure deep soil penetration and encourage a strong root system. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases, and instead, aim the water at the base of the plant.
LightTangerine Sage thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureTangerine Sage prefers a temperature range between 70°F and 85°F for optimal growth. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 15°F, making it hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10. To avoid frost damage, protect the plant or bring it indoors if temperatures are expected to drop below this range.
PruningPrune Tangerine Sage annually in early spring to promote bushier growth and enhance blooming. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the growing season encourages further blooming. It is best to prune up to one-third of the plant to maintain its shape and improve air circulation, which helps prevent disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTangerine Sage thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter; aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or peat moss is ideal.
RepottingTangerine Sage should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current pot to encourage healthy growth and prevent root-bound conditions.
Humidity & MistingTangerine Sage prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%, but it is adaptable to lower humidity environments as well.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Tangerine Sage near a sunny window and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleSalvia elegans 'Tangerine', commonly known as Pineapple Sage, begins its life as a seed that germinates in warm, moist soil in the spring. The seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with characteristic green foliage and square stems, indicative of the mint family it belongs to. As it matures, the Pineapple Sage grows into a bushy perennial, thriving in full sun with well-drained soil, and reaches heights of up to 3-4 feet. During the summer to frost, it blooms with bright red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, with the foliage exuding a sweet, pineapple scent when crushed or brushed against. Following the blooming period, seeds form and are disseminated by various means, including wind and wildlife, to begin the cycle anew. In colder climates, Pineapple Sage may die back to the ground during winter, to resprout from its root system when the temperatures rise again in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Tangerine sage, also known as Salvia elegans 'Tangerine', is often propagated during the late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. The most popular method of propagation for Tangerine sage is through stem cuttings. To do this, a gardener would take a 4 to 6-inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering stem, strip the bottom leaves, and then dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. This treated end is then planted in a mixture of perlite and peat or a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and placed in indirect light until roots develop, usually within a few weeks, after which it can be transplanted into the garden or a larger pot.
