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A soft stemmed, herbaceous perennial or subshrub with branching stems and ovate or almost triangular, hairless or softly hairy, toothed, mildly pineapple scented, mid green leaves, to 4 inches long. Loose terminal panicles of bright scarlet flowers, 1 inch long, softly hairy inside, are produced from winter to spring. Native to Mexico and Guatemala. Hardy in Zones 8-10. The dark green leaves lend a fresh pineapple scent to drinks, fruit salads, chicken dishes, and jams. When dried, they lend their sweet scent to porpourri. The brilliant red flowers are scented and bloom late in the season. The plant can be potted up for windowsill culture in cold winter areas. Salvia should be grown in light, moderately fertile, humus rich, moist but well drained soil in full sun to light, dappled shade. Species with densely hairy or woolly leaves need sharp drainage and full sun.
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