Eucomis comosa Sparkling Burgundy (Pineapple Lily)

Award-winning Eucomis comosa ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ is a dramatic bulbous perennial with dense racemes of starry purple-tinged flowers, 20 in. long (50 cm), borne on erect, purple stems in late summer. At the tip of the spike sits a rosette of young leaves similar to those of pineapples, hence the common name of Pineapple Lily.

Award-winning Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Burgundy' is a dramatic bulbous perennial with dense racemes of starry purple-tinged flowers, 20 in. long (50 cm), borne on erect, purple stems in late summer. At the tip of the spike sits a rosette of young leaves similar to those of pineapples, hence the common name of Pineapple Lily. Rich in nectar, the flowers last for 6 to 8 weeks for the great pleasure of the pollinators. This architectural beauty rises above the equally eye-catching foliage of long, up to 2 ft. (60 cm), upright, strap-shaped, reddish-purple leaves. Eucomis is a great addition to the landscape or containers where it provides vertical dimension and interest with its strange appearance and unique, restful flower color.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun in rich, moist, and well-drained soils. While part shade is tolerated, flowering may not be as profuse. Remember that great quantities of water must be provided in the summer and that the regular provision of extra nutrients is not just an added luxury.
  • Perfect for beds and borders or containers.
  • Eucomis is deer-resistant, pest-free, and ridiculously easy to grow.
  • Propagate by seed, sown in fall or spring. Alternatively, remove offsets in spring. Bury the bulb 3 in. (7 cm) below the soil surface (shallower in a pot). Position bulbs 5 in. apart (12 cm).
  • After the blossoms fade, you can discard the bulbs or save them to re-grow the following summer. Fertilize regularly if you plan to re-grow them. If you live in a cool area (hardiness zones 3-6) and want to save your bulbs, you may lift and clean them for winter storage. Bulbs in pots may be stored indoors right in their pots, ready for use the next summer.
  • Native to South Africa

Requirements

Hardiness 7
– 10

Heat Zones 1
– 12

Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Eucomis – Pineapple Lilies
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)Fall
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 5″ (12cm)
Depth 3"
(7cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage