Pineapple lily (Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Burgundy')
yew-KOE-miss kom-OH-sah
Synonyms:
E. punctata
Genus:
Eucomis
This outstanding cultivar boasts dark burgundy leaves that slowly change to olive green, and then revert back dramatically as the flowers fade. The flowers form on 20- to 30-inch stalks bearing bottle-brush-like wands of tight, smokey pink florets, which are crowned by tufts of purple bracts. As the common name implies, these unusual and magnificent inflorescences are reminiscent of pineapples.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
These tender bulbs with strap-shaped leaves are from dry screes and annually damp meadows of South Africa.
Care:
Plant bulbs 6 inches deep, in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. In cooler climates, plant in containers for garden display and overwinter in a frost free location. Water freely in active growth; they do best if dry when dormant.
Propagation:
Sow seed at 61°F in autumn or spring or remove offsets in spring and replant.
Problems:
Infrequent.
Overview
Height
1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread
1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit
Clumps
Growth Pace
Moderate Grower
Light
Full Sun Only
Moisture
Medium Moisture
Maintenance
Moderate
Characteristics
Showy Flowers,
Showy Foliage,
Showy Fruit
Bloom Time
Late Summer,
Summer
Flower Color
Pink,
Purple
Foliage Color
Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Uses
Beds and Borders,
Container,
Specimen Plant/Focal Point,
Suitable as Annual
Style
Cottage Garden,
Meadow Garden
Seasonal Interest
Summer Interest
Type
Bulbs