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Salvia elegans 'Freida Dixon'
Salvia elegans 'Freida Dixon'
Salvia elegans 'Freida Dixon'
Salvia elegans 'Freida Dixon'
Salvia elegans 'Freida Dixon'

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Salvia elegans 'Freida Dixon'

(Frieda Dixon Pineapple Sage) Most varieties of Salvia elegans have bright red flowers. But Frieda Dixon Pineapple Sage, which blooms abundantly beginning in late fall, has softer salmon-pink blossoms set against mid-green, lance-shaped leaves.

Common name This is the non-scientific name used for a plant. A plant may have several common names, depending on the gardener's location. To further confuse the matter, a common name may be shared by several completely different plants. At Flowers by the Sea, we rely on the scientific name to identify our plants and avoid confusion. Freida Dixon Pineapple Sage
USDA Zones The U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones indicate the temperature zones where a plant is likely to thrive. It is determined by the average annual winter minimum temperature. Actual winter temperatures may be higher or lower than the average. 9 - 11
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 46"/36"/60"
Exposure This is the average amount of sunlight that a plant needs to thrive. Generally, full sun exposure is 6 or more hours of direct sun daily while partial shade is less than 4 hours of sun or dappled shade all day. Plants may tolerate more sunlight in cooler climates and need afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Full sun
Soil type This is the kind of soil that a plant needs to thrive. Most plants require a well-drained soil that allows the water to soak into the soil without becoming soggy. Sandy and clay soils can be improved by digging in compost to improve drainage. Well drained & rich
Water needs Plants have specific water requirements. Water loving means the plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Average generally indicates applying 1 inch of water per week, or watering when the soil is dry to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. One inch of water is equal to 5 gallons per square yard of soil surface. Average
Container plant? "Yes" indicates that this plant can be successfully grown as a container plant. Yes
Hummingbird plant? Hummingbirds have been observed regularly feeding from this plant's flowers. Yes
Mature height The mature height of this plant in average conditions. 3 to 4 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 3 to 4 feet
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  • Salvia elegans 'Freida Dixon'
  • Salvia elegans 'Freida Dixon'
  • Salvia elegans 'Freida Dixon'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Frieda Dixon Pineapple Sage) Most varieties of Salvia elegans have bright red flowers. But Frieda Dixon Pineapple Sage has softer salmon-pink blossoms set against mid-green, lance-shaped leaves.

Unlike its shorter relatives, S. elegans 'Tangerine' and S. elegans 'Honey Melon', this is a much later blooming variety of Pineapple Sage.

Jon Dixon found this accidental hybrid in his Woodside, California, greenhouse around the early 1980s. Woodside is south and west of San Francisco near the Pacific coast where winters are mild but summers are dry and often hot.

In The New Book of Salvias, Betsy Clebsch writes that Dixon moved the pretty sage to his garden to see how it would do in a less protected environment. Dixon and his friends who test-gardened the hybrid discovered that it maintained an attractive, upright form.

Pineapple Sages don't all smell like pineapple, but this one does. It is pleasingly fragrant. Similar to other types of S. elegans, it is edible. Cooks often use Pineapple Sage leaves and flowers in breads, pound cake and tea.

When in bloom, Frieda Dixon is tall and attractive to butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Deer avoid it despite its tender foliage. Frieda Dixon is a subshrub, which means that it combines soft herbaceous foliage and woody growth.

Give this long-blooming sage full sun, average watering and rich, well-drained soil. Afternoon shade is also helpful. Frieda Dixon is pretty in borders and as a screen or in a cut-flower garden.