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Description
Salvia Firma, commonly known as the Pineapple Sage, is a popular herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to Central America and Mexico and is widely cultivated for its ornamental and medicinal properties. The plant grows up to 1.5 meters in height and has lance-shaped leaves with a strong pineapple aroma. It produces showy, bright red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Salvia |
Appearance
Salvia Firma has a bushy growth habit and can spread up to 1.2 meters in diameter. The stems are square-shaped and covered in fine hairs. The leaves are elongated, lance-shaped, and up to 10 cm long. They are bright green in color and have a strong pineapple scent when crushed. The flowers are produced in clusters at the top of the stems and are tubular in shape. They are bright red and up to 2.5 cm long. The bloom period lasts from late summer to early fall.
Care Guide
Salvia Firma is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some guidelines for its care:- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil and regular watering. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during hot and dry weather.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Add organic matter to the soil to improve its quality.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may affect its flowering.- Hardiness Zones: Salvia Firma is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11. In colder regions, it can be grown as an annual.
Common Pests & Diseases
Salvia Firma is generally pest and disease resistant, but it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. To control these pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by root rot if the soil is poorly drained. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and do not overwater the plant.
Habitat
Salvia Firma is native to Mexico and Central America, where it grows in open woodlands and scrublands. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. The plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental and medicinal plant in many parts of the world.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Salvia Firma edible?
A: Yes, the leaves of Salvia Firma are edible and can be used to flavor drinks and desserts.
Q: Can Salvia Firma be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Salvia Firma can be grown in containers as long as the container is well-drained and the plant is watered regularly.
Q: Is Salvia Firma a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Salvia Firma is moderately drought-tolerant but prefers regular watering to thrive.
Q: How tall can Salvia Firma grow?
A: Salvia Firma can grow up to 1.5 meters in height.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Salvia Firma:- Salvia Apiana (White Sage)- Salvia Officinalis (Common Sage)- Salvia Lavandulifolia (Spanish Sage)- Salvia Splendens (Scarlet Sage)
References
– The Plant List. (n.d.). Salvia Firma.- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Salvia Firma.- University of Florida IFAS Extension. (2021). Salvia Firma.
