Sage Fruity Pineapple
Salvia dorisiana

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

Salvia dorisiana is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1.3 m (4ft 3in) by 1.3 m (4ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Hummingbirds. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1.3

Where it is found

Not known

Central America - Honduras.

Conservation Status: Not Listed.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Central America, Honduras (native), North America, Tasmania, USA inc. California.

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

The leaves and flowers are intensely aromatic, with a fragrance of mixed fruits. They are likened to a sweeter version of Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans) and used as flavourings in salads, fruits salads, iced teas, fruit punches and salad dressings. The large leaves make for an easy harvest for drying and storage. They are used to make flavourful tea . The dried leaves retain the fragrance and also make very lovely wreaths and potpourri.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating: 3

An extract of the leaves is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner. The dried leaves retain the fragrance and also make very lovely wreaths and potpourri. Scented. Ornamental. Deer Resistant. Attracts Wildlife, including Bees, Butterflies, and Hummingbirds. Flowers are Showy and Fragrant.

Cosmetic: Used to improve the physical appearence of a person.

Pot-pourri: Aromatic plants used to impart a pleasant smell to an area. Can this be grouped with incense or essential oil?

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Fruity sage succeeds in a range of soils but prefers to grow in moist, well-draining soil with rich, sandy loam. It will tolerate partial shade, but like most salvias, fruity sage prefers full sun. PH 6.1 (mildly acidic) to 7 (mildly alkaline). A plant of the tropics, where it is usually found at elevations between 1,000 - 2,500 metres. Plants do not grow well if the temperature falls below about 5°c for anything other than a short period, though they can withstand occasional short periods down to -2°c . The plant can be cut back to the ground in cold weather and usually resprouts from the base . It dislikes dry soils . Practically the whole plant is covered with hairs that release a delightful pineapple-grapefruit scent when stroked. Plants can be cut back quite severely to encourage new growth. Suitable as an Annual.

Propagating it: Seed, Cuttings (easy).

Best place to grow:

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 9-12

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Peach sage, Fruit Sage, Fruity Sage, Fruit-Scented Sage, Fruit Scented Sage, Fruit cocktail sage, grapefruit sage

Synonyms

No synonyms are recorded for this name.