Purple sage, Salvia officinalis 'Purpurea,' is more ornamental than garden sage. The flavor is not as intense as the common sage and it may not be as hardy. Another interesting sage is pineapple sage, Salvia elegans: it really smells like pineapple and the sweet flowers are a special addition to salads. The leaves also can be used in fruit salads, spreads, or iced tea. The small flowers are scarlet-colored and tubular shaped, making them attractive to bees and hummingbirds. Pineapple sage is not hardy and must be over-wintered indoors.
