I planted Pineapple Sage in my herb garden this past Spring.  I expected it to bloom earlier in the year and draw butterflies and hummingbirds, but it chose to bloom now…late October and early November in my Middle-Atlantic state of New Jersey. I am on the border line for this half-hardy perennial to survive the low temperatures of winter. Perhaps if I cover it with three to four inches of protective mulch, it might make it through the cold season.

My Pineapple Sage grew from a sprout of six inches into a gangly bushy plant of about three feet. The leaves have a delicious fragrance and the flowers are lovely. I need to cut a few sprigs to enjoy before cold weather sends it into dormancy. The leaves are a gorgeous lime green color. I’m a bit disappointed that the attractive scarlet flowers waited until late Autumn to appear, but they do look pretty against the brown of the fallen leaves. I will definitely try to save this lovely bush. If I lose it, I will plant the cuttings that have rooted in my basement. Perhaps they will have a head start and bloom just a little earlier in my late-summer garden.

Here is a great article on Pineapple Sage: Pineapple Sage

Pineapple Sage sprigs create a perfect Autumn Bouquet…Lovely! As an added bonus, the cuttings might root and I’ll have even more plants for next Spring.