Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Burgundy'

pineapple lily

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil (or loam-based potting compost with sharp sand or grit for container-grown specimens)
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July and August
• Hardiness: fully hardy (borderline though, so may need winter protection)
  
  When they first emerge in spring, the leaves have a deep burgundy colour (especially when they are planted in a very sunny spot), which gradually fades to olive green as summer approaches. From mid summer, an upright flowerspike emerges from the rosette of foliage, bearing masses of small, star-like flowers. The spike is topped with a tuft of leaf-like bracts, giving it a pineapple-like appearance. A very distinctive and unusual plant, which originates from dry screes and meadows in South Africa. In colder areas, pot it up and move it to a sheltered spot or cool greenhouse during the winter.
  
  
• Garden care: Water freely during the growing season and sparingly during winter. Protect the crown of the plant with a dry winter mulch or over-winter indoors under glass. Top-dress or re-pot container-grown specimens each spring
  
  

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