Salvia elegans ‘Golden Delicious’ A golden form of Salvia elegans (Pineapple Sage ) 80cm H with bright red flowers in winter and spring.
Salvia elegans ‘Golden Delicious’: has wonderful golden foliage that contrasts beautifully with the bright red flowers.
Flowers: are exactly the same as the parent – long, thin tubular red flowers, in pairs along a long flower stem . Both the stigma and anthers are exerted, making the flower look even longer.
Flowers being on long flowering stems are held above the foliage to attract passing birds and insects.
Calyces: are small, green, hairy, ribbed with pointed lobes. These fall off when the flowers are finished, leaving a long green flower stem.
Leaves: are a soft yellow green colour, lanceolate / elliptical in shape, slightly hairy with a thin texture. Due to the colour, these yellow leaves can easily burn in really hot sun, so a sheltered sunny position is recommended.
Leaves are also aromatic like the parent, having a pineapple scent and flavour.
Salvia elegans ‘Golden Delicious’: is best grown in a sheltered sunny position to get the best out of the plant. The golden leaves certainly brighten up a dark corner, especially when grown in a mixed border.
This plant is bushier than the parent and can be kept down to a nice sizeable plant. It also doesn’t seem to wander as much as it’s parent, so is more manageable in the garden bed.
Grow with other small shrubs and perennials that have similar coloured foliage or use the foliage to add a beautiful contrast to the planting palette.
The red flowers certainly attract the birds and other pollinators to the bed. The leaves can be used in salads and at the base of cakes to bring up a pineapple flavour. The flowers can be used as a garnish or added colour to a bunch bowl. The red of the flowers are very striking when used in a floral arrangement.
Propagation: is easy with tip cuttings, taken most of the year or from new growth in spring.